FSA Joins CAUT Defence Fund
October 23, 2024
In Spring 2024, the FSA Board of Directors voted to join the Canadian Association of University Teachers’ (CAUT) Defence Fund. The FSA has been affiliated with CAUT since late 2016, with our national affiliate providing a host of resources related to bargaining, member and staff training, and member representation, among other areas. The Defence Fund provides a more targeted kind of support: benefits during the strikes and/or lockouts of member unions.
Founded in 1978, the Defence Fund is incorporated as a not-for-profit. The Fund includes 66 – now 67! – member unions, nationwide, aiding with primarily financial support during work stoppages, whether initiated by the employer or union. For more information, including specific services, costs, and other Defence Fund member unions.
“I am proud that the FSA has joined [the CAUT Defence Fund],” said FSA President Colin Jones. “As our Chief Negotiator at the bargaining table, increasing our war chest by more than 1000% gives our Bargaining Team the confidence that we have not only support from across the country, but the finances to ensure our negotiated rights are respected.”
The Defence Fund will buttress an already impressive Strike Fund held in FSA coffers – north of $3.2 million at the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year – and the FSA is especially proud to join without an increase to member dues. “Joining the DF means that when the time comes that our members need to defend their rights with a strike, we will be more than adequately supported in that fight.”
Please reach out if you have any questions.
In solidarity.