6 Strike Ve - mm > 4 Kelley Ware Multimedia Coordinator Aw to Dr. Ken Wilkening’s calculations, over 300 people filled the plaza outside the Prince George Courthouse at noon on March 7, 2015. The crowd was there for a rally to support the UNBC Faculty Association during their job action. Pre-made Faculty Association signs and homemade signs from staff and students filled the plaza at noon when the rally was to start. The event began with the Faculty Association Vice President, Dr. Erik Jensen, rallying the crowd and introducing the speakers. He mentioned that students go to UNBC for the great education provided by its professors. Without quality professors, students would not be inclined to attend UNBC. Likewise, he called for the necessity of a wide array of support for this strike: students, their families, other unions, and other Canadian universities. With 300 bodies in attendance, it seems like he has received his request. Some of the Faculty Association’s flying pickets were in attendance and spoke as well. Representatives from CNC, the University of Western Ontario, the University of Manitoba, St. Paul’s University, and Mount St. Vincent University, among others, showed solidarity. Many also gifted the Faculty Association with cheques to show their support. Likewise, other non-faculty unions outside of faculty showed their solidarity as well. Other unions such as CUPE, the BCTF, the BC Government Employees Union, UNIFOR, the North Central Labour Council, and the BC Federation of Labour were all in attendance. Cars honked passing by as the rally took place, greeted with waves and cheers as union leaders spoke about the strike, the necessity of it, and how much they want to get back to work as soon as they can. “Pickets have come from coast to coast,” said Dr. Thomas Booth from the University of Manitoba, in regards to the support received by the Faculty Association. “If you are still on the line next week, rest assured we are with you.” while talking about the value of UNBC’s professors, Aaron from the BC Federation of Labour said it most eloquently: “This institution on the hill is a world class institution, not because of management but because of the hard work you have put into it.” Finally, Dr. Jacqueline Holler, the Faculty Association President, was the last to speak. At times, she seemed near tears, overwhelmed by the amount of people who joined them in the plaza. She mentioned that one of her previous students even drove from Alberta to show support. In her speech, she stated that the university is quick to own its MacLean’s “Best in the West’ ranking Yi)» arch 7 yy y Wate | OTE tte ral #« Ke 4s &"s speaks at x and celebrate teaching excellence, except when it comes to compensation. “We are excellent until it comes time to pay us,” said Dr. Holler, “[we want] excellence for UNBC that is sustainable into the future.” The rally ended with a rendition of the union song “Solidarity Forever” sung a cappella by the entire crowd. Before the crowd dispersed, Dr. Holler made one final shout-out to the students, recognizing that professors are here because of them and that they are thankful for the amount of support they have seen from the students. After the rally, Over the Edge was able to quickly meet with Dr. Holler before she went back to their strike headquarters. “I think it went phenomenally well,” said Dr. Holler. “We appreciate the student’s support. We know this is tough for students and we want to get this over as soon as we can, but we need the administration to give a fair deal.” For up-to-date information on strike news, visit our strike page, the Faculty Association’s page, and the university’s faculty relations page.