Dear fellow social work students,
We first want to thank all those whom attended the recent SWSA General Assembly. We also wish to emphasize the importance of dialogue and inclusion, and as such, we want everyone to feel that their opinion is heard and valued, wherever they stand.
As many of you know, on Wednesday March 14th, McGill undergraduate social work students convened for a General Assembly organized by SWSA in the Wendy Patrick room. A total of 94 students participated in this student initiated event; the quorum was set at 24 students, representing 10% of the total undergraduate student body.
As you may be aware of, the Quebec government announced that it would raise university tuition fees over a period of 5 years, starting next Fall, for a total increase of $1,625. This decision turned into a heated debate across the province, and student groups have been mobilizing for and against tuition hikes, and have been using different means to make their voices heard. Since the student movement is growing each day, SWSA felt that it was important that McGill social work students be consulted on the matter.
During the General Assembly, SWSA was first mandated to ‘’position [itself] firmly against the rise of tuition fees, in a perspective of free education and against any alternative financing mechanism of education (Income Contigent Loan Repayment, Post-University Tax, abolition of tuition tax credit, etc.)’’ and to ‘’raise awareness and mobilize around the individual and social impacts of the tuition fees increase and its effects on the status.’’
Secondly, the students voted in favour of a general unlimited strike renewable every week with a 61% majority (47 for out of 77) as a way to protest against tuition hikes. This means that every week, the strike mandate will have to be renewed during a general assembly. As established at the March 14th assembly, a minimum of 24 students will have to be present for any general assembly to take place this semester.
The strike is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 19th, 2012. It will affect social work courses but not field placements. Students will once again meet on Monday March 26th in the Wilson Hall basement cafeteria at 9h30 am to vote as to whether or not continue the unlimited strike, based on a motion that SWSA will submit. No other motions shall be presented.
SWSA will be happy to help with any concerns and questions you may have to the best of our ability. A number of questions are answered at the end of this email - please take the time the review the FAQ section before emailing us. Should you need more information, you may email Jade Mathieu, Internal Affairs Coordinator, at vp.internal.swsa@gmail.com. She will try her best to answer your emails in a timely fashion. Those wishing to join the mobilization committee that was created during the assembly can do so by emailing Radney Jean-Claude, External Coordinator, at mob.swsa@gmail.com.
Lastly, SWSA recognizes that it is a stressful situation for all parties involved. As such, we thank you in advance for your collaboration in promoting a safe environment for the entire social work community. We trust that we are all able to commit to being respectful of each others’ liberties.
Sincerely,
The Social Work Student Association
UNLIMITED STRIKE FAQ:
What is an unlimited strike?
An unlimited strike is a strike in which students pass a motion to boycott regular classes with no fixed end date.
Why should students care?
You should care because the unlimited general strike affects all BSW students. A majority of the established quorum voted in favour of the unlimited strike and we ask students to respect the decisions made. Had the decision gone in a way you did not personally favour, we ask students to respect your peers regardless of your political stance. We ask that the strikers remain respectful to the students that choose to attend class in defiance of the GA’s decision. This topic was discussed at length at the GA, and we have passed a resolution stating that all demonstrations will be peaceable and voluntary.
We fully recognize that this is a touchy issue.
We would ask that you abide by the social work code of ethics in your future interactions with students that you may not agree with on the striking question.
What does this have to do with me?
This general unlimited strike will affect all BSW students as of Monday March 19th, 2012, until the next general assembly (slated to take place on March 26th at 9:30AM in the basement cafeteria of Wilson Hall) to decide whether or not students wish to continue with the unlimited strike. The decision that was made in the GA applies to every student, as each student is a member of the student association. Students are free to participate the strike or not, but SWSA does encourage students to respect a democratic decision made by your peers that applies to all social work students.
Do I have to miss class?
Students are not required to boycott classes, however they are asked to respect the decision made by students democratically and encouraged to act in solidarity with peers and the other student associations who have already decided to hold a general strike.
What is the exact wording of the motion?
<<BE IT RESOLVED THAT the undergraduate students of the McGill School of Social Work enact an unlimited strike, starting on March 19, 2012, in protest of the tuition hikes and in solidarity with their fellow students already already on strike.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the strike mandate be renewable every week through a simple majority vote ( 50% +1) conducted during a general assembly;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT normal hours of field placements remain unaffected by the strike.>>
Who do I talk to about missing a class because I’m on strike?
Students can make arrangements with their professors and students on strike are encouraged to organize as group to reach mediation between students and professors. Professors and instructors can accommodate to student demands, if they wish to do so. It is their choice, however.
SWSA will act as representatives of students in the case that students feel that they are being oppressed or their rights are being ignored. We can communicate to the faculty if you need representation. However, we would ask that you attempt to make arrangements with your professors prior to contacting SWSA.
What happens when students picket?
Social Work students voted for a soft picket line. A soft picket line means classes will not be blocked, and the picket line will stay peaceful. Picketers are not to block non-participants of the general unlimited strike.
Will I be blocked from class?
Again, in accordance with the mandated soft picket line, students will not be prevented from attending regularly scheduled social work classes.
What can I expect on Monday morning?
SWSA can’t predict what exactly will happen on Monday morning before many of your classes. Usually during a strike students organize together for a picket line or demonstration.
When is the next GA?
Wilson Hall basement cafeteria, 9:30 AM on Monday March 26th, 2012.
Who do I contact to be involved in a SWSA demonstration or mobilization?
Contact: mob.swsa@gmail.com
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