BUTTON
CulturePrince Edward Island
Date2023
Dimensions0.5 x 3.5 cm (3/16 x 1 3/8 in.)
Object numberHF.2023.8.1
DescriptionA white circular pin with red and black text and a small logo at the bottom. At the top center in red is printed “Strike 2023” with “Edward MacDonald” below in black. At the bottom is “UPEIFA” to the right of a tricoloured image of a three dimensional square. The reverse of the button is plastic with “JM-32” embossed at the bottom center. A metal pin and clasp extend through two circular holes in the backing. Narrative
Starting March 20th, 2023, the University of Prince Edward Island Faculty Association went on strike after 83% of members voted in favour. Negotiations for a new collective agreement between the University and the faculty association had been ongoing since April 2022. The faculty association was asking the University for more full-time faculty, better health and safety measures, and higher pay for instructors on campus after years of increased tuition had little to no effect on resources for faculty. On Friday, April 14th, 2023, 98% of the faculty association voted in favour of an agreement reached between the two sides after four weeks of striking. The University agreed to committing more research support for faculty, to hiring 20 additional full-time faculty, more support for sessional staff, and an annual 3% wage increase for union members over the next four years. Students and staff were able to return to classrooms on Monday, April 17th.
