Daily News

posted on Feb. 12: MUSA ready to go back to the bargaining table

Negotiators for the McMaster University Staff Association are ready to go back to the bargaining table with the University as early as today (Tuesday, Feb. 13) to reach the first collective agreement between the two parties. "We've sent a message to them (the University's bargaining team) suggesting various dates and times, and we've indicated we're willing to do it as early as today. Today is the first day we offered," says MUSA president Barry Diacon. Yesterday (Monday, Feb. 12) 1,152 members of the association voted on a contract offer proposed by the University. Diacon says he's happy with the outcome of the vote, which saw 1,021 members reject the offer (and 129 vote in favour of it). There were two spoiled ballots. It's unlikely the two parties will be back at the table before next week. Mark Haley, assistant vice-president human resources and a member of the University's bargaining team, says that the parties need first to agree on a process for resuming negotiations. For example, a significant issue (for the administration) is the importance of involving a mediator; another is the wisdom of extending deadlines if progress is being made.

posted on Feb. 12: Seven staff honoured with President’s Awards for Outstanding Service

They are committed, enthusiastic, conscientious, professional staff whose exemplary service to the University has not gone unnoticed by those they work with and for. They are the winners of the President's Staff Awards for Outstanding Service and their names are: Steven Beierl, Susan Birnie, Marvin Gunderman, Doris Hutchison, Diane Kerss, Deane Maynard and Liza Thong. The seven staff members were nominated by co-workers, colleagues and supervisors for the annual awards, which recognize staff members or groups of staff members who have made an outstanding contribution beyond that normally expected for their positions to the mission of the University. "It is my pleasure to express to you, on behalf of the entire University, sincere congratulations for your achievement and for the very important and valued contributions you each make to McMaster," says University President Peter George. "By providing excellent service to students, by reaching out to neighbours through community work, by taking the time to care for others, and by working tirelessly for the betterment of McMaster you enhance the reputation of this University and provide an environment of excellence and success for all of us. To each of you I extend a very warm 'thank you.'"