In light of The Citizen's coverage of Thursday's student rally, I would like to point out that UNBC students are not a hive-mind. While The Citizen indicated that those at the rally called for government intervention to end the faculty association's strike, there are those of us who think that is a dangerous position to take.
am a UNBC student, but I am also someone who has worked in the social services field for the past ten years. I have been a member of a public sector union and have been privy to the difficulties that collective bargaining presents in the current political environment. Unfortunately, the B.C. government's relationship with public sector unions can best be described as acrimonious. I fear that should the government become involved, it would be at the faculty association's expense. At the worst, it could result in unfair (and unconstitutional) return to work legislation. I urge fellow students to think about the potential implications such a move might have for UNBC's future. Recent historical precedent suggests that government intervention in B.C. labour disputes does not create the conditions to achieve a fair deal. It could be said, then, that supporting government intervention is taking a stance against the faculty. I can understand student frustration as we are all currently inconvenienced by the strike. However, I could not in good conscience support any intervention that may further injure our faculty.
Many students, including myself, have come out in support of UNBC's Faculty Association. We have spent time on the picket lines, expressed our opinions on social media, and rallied in support of the faculty on Saturday. As this dispute gains more media attention, I believe it is important to note that many of us support the right to collective bargaining without outside pressure or interference. UNBC has some of the most talented faculty in Canada. It was their efforts that have made UNBC such a fantastic experience for students. They are currently putting themselves on the line for our future. I fully believe that that faculty association's efforts will eventually lead to a fair deal without government intervention. I ask that my fellow students understand the importance of keeping this process balanced, and free of potentially biased interference.
Lukas Skoczylas
Prince George
