Author: Josh

Dear MUNACA Members,

We have looked into the UniForum questionnaire. The questions may appear innocuous and even legitimate, but the context reveals that they are not.

At the University’s Town Hall on February 7th, it was announced that the “salary mass” of administrative personnel would be reduced due to financial difficulties. In clear terms, they are threatening to lay off administrative personnel in the near future.

The employer intends to use this survey to justify laying us off, abolishing our jobs, and reorganizing our workplace, all while the compensation for those making these decisions continues to balloon. The employer has the gall to ask for the support of those whose livelihoods are in jeopardy, to help to determine which positions should be cut first! 

We urge our fellow union members to use this template to respond to this so-called “survey.”

Instructions:

• For all multiple-choice or rating questions regarding professional staff and services, select high satisfaction responses.
  
• For any written response sections, use the following statement:

“I am very satisfied with the dedication and hard work of my colleagues at McGill, who consistently strive to provide essential services despite years of hiring freezes. This survey fails to distinguish between the decisions made by senior administration’s policies and processes versus the actual performance of frontline staff.

Our frontline workforce holds irreplaceable institutional knowledge and expertise, essential to the university’s daily operations. We will not allow this data to be weaponized through surveys to rationalize the destruction of our jobs and livelihoods.

We are ready and willing to have a genuine conversation about how this university can be better managed, but this survey is not the forum. It is a tool designed to justify cuts, not a meaningful dialogue. We believe that all McGill staff deserve respect, security, and the resources to do their jobs effectively.”

On February 7th, 2025, the University surprisingly announced, during their Townhall, some disturbing news that MUNACA was surprised to learn, especially considering the magnitude of what was being disclosed. 

Considering the Employer’s failure to contact the Union prior to this announcement, we have requested a meeting with the Employer as soon as possible. The purpose of this meeting is to address all of the current and upcoming reorganizations, restructurings and their consequences, including abolitions and potential layoffs. Our intention is to mitigate the upcoming ‘Project Horizon’.

We will keep you updated as the situation evolves.

We strongly recommend that you:

Verify that your Seniority is Correct 

●     by going into Workday and the November 2024 Seniority list and ensuring these are reflective of your time at McGill. If it is incorrect, contact HR to have it corrected and CC reception@munaca.com. 

●     If you suspect you are on soft/research funds please make sure that you have your letters ofhire/appointments and verify if indeed you belong to some research group (as of what date) as these groups may or may not have job security.If you are unsure please contact us. 

Let us know about any Reorganizations, Restructuring or Shuffling of personnel so we can take a look into it 

Have questions or concerns about seniority, reorganizations or anything else? 

Contact your nearest Steward or the MUNACA office 

(email reception@munaca.com; Tel 514-371-2222)

Dear Members,

Like you, I have been watching the rapid deterioration of human rights, social justice, and workers’ rights in the United States with growing concern. Our two nations have proudly shared the longest undefended border in the world for generations – a steady partnership that is now under attack by the Trump administration.

Donald Trump and his administration are undoing so many of the hard-fought victories our collective labour movement has fought and won. I share the anger and frustration many of you are feeling. His divisive rhetoric and policies are impacting the lives of millions of workers, for the worst, on either side of the border.

As we find ourselves on the brink of a trade war with our closest ally – one that will hurt millions of workers and families in Canada – I want to recognize just how important your work is every day, but especially now in the face of this crisis.

Understandably, this is a very stressful time we are living in. This is only intensified by the affordability crisis affecting millions of us across Canada. I want you to know that we’ll continue to fight for you. We won’t back down when it comes to defending your rights.

We are here for you.

We’re a team.

As we navigate these tense times, remember you have us to rely on.

In solidarity,

Sharon DeSousa
National President, PSAC

Dear Members, 

We write to you today to update you on MUNACA’s new telephone number. In order to protect the integrity of union business we felt it prudent to have a telephone system of  our own.

MUNACA’s new phone number is 514-371-2222. You will be able to select five locals; 

1. Reception
2. Labour Relations
3. Research
4. President
5. Vice-President Labour Relations

We apologise in advance for any inconvenience during this transition period.

Yours in solidarity,

MUNACA Executive Committee