September 25, 2000
Whenever universities are in contract negotiations, the impact of salary increases on tuition costs and student debt loads is a serious concern.
It is important to note that there is no necessary link between tuition and academic salaries. For example, MUN tuition has increased dramatically in the last decade, while in the same time period MUNFA members have not received a salary scale increase. Obviously, MUNFA does not want salary increases to be passed on to students in the form of tuition increases. If this happens, it will be an administrative decision.
The financial difficulties which confront post-secondary education in Canada are the result of a long history of decreasing federal support, culminating in drastic cuts in recent years. Student organizations are well aware of this. The Canadian Federation of Students has been active in keeping this issue in the public eye, and is campaigning for restoration of the $3.7 billion of federal support for post-secondary education that has been withdrawn since 1994-95.
In responding to media questions, Allison North, the Federation's Newfoundland and Labrador Chair, has emphasized how federal cuts have adversely affected faculty and support staff as well as students.
The Federation has written to MUNFA in support of its negotiation and conciliation efforts, stressing that salary increases for those working in the post-secondary education system cannot be traded off against tuition increases, and emphasizing the need for an infusion of funds into the operating budgets of public educational institutions as evidence of government's commitment to these institutions and the contribution they make to society.
At the national level, the Canadian Association of University Teachers and the Canadian Federation of Students have been working in concert to lobby for restoration of federal funding for post-secondary education through such initiatives as the current Fund the Future postcard and poster campaign.
MUNFA Negotiating Committee:
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