YUFA’s Fall General Membership Meeting (GMM) took place on November 19.  More than 210 members attended.

The meeting included a discussion of YUFA’s financial situation in light of actions by the Employer – including refusals to discuss simple complaints in dispute resolution committees – that have increased the association’s costs related to arbitration and legal fees. Members noted the importance of YUFA’s having a sound financial footing and the budget steps YUFA is taking.  

The membership approved a motion on scholasticide. The motion calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in Lebanon, and an end to the ongoing scholasticide in Gaza. The motion also calls for a YUFA as well as York University-wide audit of financial holdings and investments followed by a divestment campaign from all companies and financial institutions contributing to the occupation of Palestinian territory and the war there.

Professor Kym Bird provided an update on the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Defence Fund. The Fund provides financial assistance to Canadian academic member staff unions dealing with strikes or lockouts. YUFA is a member of the Fund and appoints three of its Directors.

Professor Joel Ong, co-chair of the YUFA Community Projects Committee (YUFA-CP), provided an update on its activities. The mandate of YUFA-CP is to facilitate YUFA’s work with community groups to promote engaged citizenship through access and equity programs, and to undertake community-based research. Members approved a motion advising the YUFA Trust and YUFA Foundation to continue funding for YUFA-CP for the next three years (at $130,000 per year).

After the YUFA GMM,  the YUFA Trust  held a meeting. The YUFA Trust Fund was formed in 1982 to receive the YUFA bargaining unit portion of the Employment Insurance rebates granted to York University because YUFA’s long-term disability plan duplicates some aspects of the government’s Employment Insurance plan. This original investment means that the Trust now has assets of $1.25 million and its earnings help to support the YUFA Community Projects Committee (YUFA-CP).