There was an odd fellow named Jack
Who thought we was sharp as a tack,
But the "straw" in his brain
Gave MUNFA a pain
He'll wait a long time ‘fore we crack.
Quotes that might have been:
Jack Strawbridge just hours before the strike was due:
"Let's get this settled right now. We want nothing better than to reach an agreement. So here's nothing better."
President Axel Meisen:
"We gave them everything we wanted, and they still said "no""
Strike detractor:
"When we authorized MUNFA to go out on strike, we didn't think we'd have to go out on strike".
Another Strike Detractor
"Speaking on behalf of the privileged, we think the University's salary offer is very generous to us, so we should call off the strike right now."
President Axel Meisen:
"Calling the student break now gives us a window of opportunity to negotiate before the students return."
Interviewer:
"So, do you intend to negotiate this week?"
Meisen:
"Not likely."
Jack Strawbridge:
"We've provoked the first faculty strike in Memorial's history and alienated the students. The campus is closed down and we're still paying the professors. But now we've run out of good ideas."
THE ODD STRIKE
INTERVIEWER: So, what's been happening in negotiations?
MUNFA: Well, we asked for a 20% pay hike.
INTERVIEWER: And what did the University come back with?
MUNFA: They offered 20%
INTERVIEWER: Let me get this straight now...you asked for 20% and they came back with 20%? Jeez...sounds like everything got settled.
MUNFA: Not really. We called a strike.
INTERVIEWER: You called a strike?
MUNFA: Yes, we got a firm mandate to call a strike and we're out on strike now.
INTERVIEWER: Everyone must be feeling the pinch, eh?
MUNFA: Not really. The University has decided to keep paying us...full salary, for a week.
INTERVIEWER: But this has played havoc with classroom instruction, with the students?
MUNFA: Yes, and no. The University declared a student holiday, so there are no classes.
INTERVIEWER: So the professors crossing the picket line are just...well...just crossing the picket line, and not doing anything really. Just crossing the picket line. So they won't get the strike pay top up for deciding to teach the students that they can't teach anyway because the University has declared this week a student holiday?
MUNFA: That's right. These professors call themselves the 40% majority. They don't like dictatorship but they can't seem to win a democratic vote. They seem to be in political limbo-land. They keep on losing.
INTERVIEWER: And now they're losing 350 on top of their salary? Amazing .... sure seems to be an odd strike.
This strike gets me down, my stomach is sick
the actions of Admin are just loathing;
How we all praised the day we got rid of Art May,
but now got that wolf in sheep's clothing.
Voices From the Picket Line
"I go to encounter for the millionth time the reality of experience and to forge in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of the ......." university administration.
Thanks to
James Joyce and a MUNFA striker
Voices from the Picket Line
Am I my Brother's/Sister's Keeper?
When they were unfair to the sessionals, I didn't fight for them because I'm not a sessional.
When they were unfair to the contractuals, I didn't fight for them because I'm not a contractual.
When they were unfair to those with Master's degrees, I didn't fight for them because I have a Ph.D.
Now they are going after Ph.D's, but there is nobody left to fight for me.
Simultaneous Retention and Mastication of Cake
by Engineer
Re my paycheque, oh dear Deanie, let me keep it;
Any dock and I would worry, could not sleep. It
Yet seems useful other MUNFA's want to struggle,
Gains they make I'm glad to have, but meanwhile –
shall we snuggle?
Ode to Meisen
There once was a prezzie named Meisen
Whose ways were far from enticin'.
He said he'd play fair,
Then behaved like a bear
That misguided new prezzie named Meisen.
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Picketer
"I go to encounter for the millionth time the reality of experience and to forge in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of the ..." university administration.
WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?
(Adapted from Florence Reece, 1931)
CHORUS:
Which side are you on? (4)
Come all Memorial workers, good news to you I bring,
It's all about our union, it's unity I sing.
My parents had commitment, they never were outdone,
And I'll stick with the union, till every battle's won.
They say that at Memorial, there can't be neutrals there,
It's either for the union or for yourself you care.
Oh workers can you stand it? They play us as their fools;
If you're not for the union, divide and conquer rules.
Don't settle with the bosses and leave your friends alone,
Your conscience will torment you, you'll reap the pain you've sown.
