Major Rally at Brock University

CUPE 4207, the union representing part-time instructors, teaching assistants, and marker-graders, is planning a major rally tomorrow (28 February 2007) at the main entrance of the Brock University campus to protest budget cuts that the senior administration has forced departments to make. These cuts are to reflect a decrease in department spending by 3% and 6.9% respectively. However, these cuts are not necessary.

Tuition is set to raise 4.5%, government funding to Ontario's universities is up 3.8%, the university has ran a cash surplus of $8 million over the past three years, and enrollment is expected to increase for both undergraduate and graduate programs next fall. Quite simply, these cuts are unnecessary. The St. Catharines standard has written a brief article, as has the Brock Press- though it is not yet on their site. The Brock University Students Union has launched the 'It's OUR university' campaign to provide information to students on why these cuts need to be fought.

Among other things, these cuts will mean less spring/summer classes, fewer classes offered during the fall/winter semester, thus making enrollment harder, it will be harder for students to receive part-time employment as teaching assistants, will make already overworked staff even more overworked, and overall, it will decrease the quality of education that the university is able to provide.

Following the rally at the gates, protesters will march to the Senate Chambers, where a Senate meeting will be going on. Speakers at the rally will include Sid Ryan from CUPE Ontario, Wayne Samuelsson from the Ontario Federation of Labour, Wayne Gates from CAW 199, Kithio Mwanzia from the students union, and members of the Canadian Federation of Students.

Stand up. Be heard.