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York University’s mantra about binding arbitration is just an underhanded way of deceiving the public and refusing to negotiate with us. Binding arbitration is not a viable option because it does not resolve the issues. It imposes a solution on both parties that seldom meets the goals of either one. The university’s call for binding arbitration shows disrespect for the collective bargaining process and for the members of CUPE 3903. It’s time for the university to stop playing public relations games and come back to the bargaining table with a proposal that will settle this strike.

And what is York’s real position?
In the not so distant past York U has strongly opposed binding arbitration. In their own words…

“[B]inding arbitration risks handing over the future of the institution to a third party who cannot possibly appreciate the subtleties and complexities of a university such as York.”*

“Arbitration is not a solution to the difficult issues that divide us. It effectively acknowledges the incapacity of the parties to reach what is needed - a mutually agreed upon settlement - and substitutes a decision that neither party owns.”*

“Arbitration, in effect, places the academic future of York in the hands of an individual who has no continuing interest in, or commitment to, the University. The administration does not consider this to be a responsible way of resolving the dispute.”*

York has the money…
According to the University’s 2008 Financial Reports…

“Operating revenues are running ahead of last year due to the impact of the increased tuition rates… and the cash balance is very strong.”**

And revenues will keep going up… in an economic downturn university enrolments tend to go up as people go back to school to upgrade their skills for the knowledge economy. More students mean more fees. Classroom teaching should be the University’s top priority.

*For more on York University’s previous opposition to binding arbitration click here or you can download a PDF of the York University Communiqué with YUFA April 1997.

** To see the York University Finance and Audit Committee Report October 2008, click here or you can download a PDF of the York Finance Report Oct 2008