Crossing the picket line and TA/RA work
February 15, 2022
Hello everyone,
Below, you will find information regarding your continued work and protocols for crossing the picket line. If you have any specific questions, we have set up a daily Zoom drop in from 12-1pm MST:
https://psac-afpc.zoom.us/j/68143647386?pwd=WUI0NlU0bEYvMFhWOXpKRnRjSEV5dz09
Meeting ID: 681 4364 7386
Passcode: 244361
Along with all other labour groups and student advocacy groups, we have pledged that our members will not participate in replacing striking and/or locked out employees.
As academically employed graduate students, you will still be paid during the strike, including those that are paid hourly. You are expected to uphold your contract to the best of your ability. For TAs and RAs, the assignment of duties during the strike is the responsibility of our interim supervisor, Dr. Jackie Rice (avpr.dsgs@uleth.ca). Should you need clarification in your duties during the strike, please reach out to Jackie Rice. If you have any concern regarding your interim duties, please do not hesitate to contact us at gsa.labour@uleth.ca. If you have any questions or concerns about your contract and pay, please reach out to human.resource@uleth.ca.
Crossing the picket line
To both uphold your contract and continue your research, you may need to cross the picket line to access campus. When accessing campus, you may be asked to check-in with one of the picket captains at the picket line. They will be wearing bright yellow safety vests. The picket line is not stopping vehicle traffic accessing the campus property.
There are 3 picket lines operating:
Lethbridge:
1) 8am – 5pm at the three roadway entrances to the Lethbridge campus
2) 8am – 5pm at the Dr. Foster James Penny Building (324, 5th St. S)
Calgary:
3) 11am – 2pm at the Calgary Campus (345 – 6th Ave SE, Bow Valley College – South)
Join the Picket Line!
If you want to join the picket line in solidarity, introduce yourself to the picket captain and grab a sign. Our executive team plans on being there for most shifts, so come say “hi!” Please note, we have been made aware that there are surveillance activities happening. If this makes you uncomfortable, please feel free to support ULFA in the other ways they have suggested here.
If you have any questions about your work, the strike line, or anything else, please reach us at gsa.labour@uleth.ca. We have also put together an FAQ with specific answers to some of your questions. You can view it here.
Thank you,
Your Labour Relations Team
Jackson R. Ham, M.Sc. (he/him)
President – University of Lethbridge Graduate Association (ULGA)
Vice-President Labour
Graduate Students’ Association
University of Lethbridge
ULGA 