Friday, September 10, 1993

THE SOCIAL CONTRACT:  In spite of what rumour says, the staff association
has not filed a grievance about UW's Social Contract settlement with the
faculty association.  Linda Norton, the staff association president, said
yesterday her executive has not decided what action, if any, to take.  And
even if it did want to file a grievance, the rules for doing so haven't
been published yet by the Ontario government.

There have been some staff grumbles that the faculty settlement may be more
generous than the earlier settlement with the staff association.  Faculty
members will get a portion (not all) of their "progress through the ranks"
pay increases in the coming three years, in exchange for extra unpaid days
off.  Staff members are facing a complete pay freeze, and will have fewer
unpaid days off (three each year) than faculty.

Norton said she thinks the government would prefer to have any dissatisfaction
with Social Contract settlements worked out locally.  She plans to meet 
with UW's provost and president, Jim Kalbfleisch and Jim Downey, to talk
the situation over.  The staff relations committee and staff compensation
committee will also be meeting, but with some key people just getting back
from vacation, those meetings haven't begun yet.

A SOCIAL WEEKEND:  With two days to go before classes start, new students
will continue partying and learning their way around.  Look for more
scavenger hunts tonight, as well as a Village I talent show and other
celebrations.  Tomorrow night: the all-faculty Toga party at Bingeman Park.

Saturday morning, "serious fun" is promised, as some first-year students
take part in Shinerama, raising money to support cystic fibrosis research,
and others head out for Green Spirit Day, helping with conservation and
environmental projects across Kitchener-Waterloo.  Saturday afternoon, the
football Warriors host Toronto (Seagram Stadium, 2 p.m.).

Other things are happening too.  Conrad Grebel students, faculty and staff
are retreating to Silver Lake Mennonite Camp for the weekend.  Graduate
students are invited to the Grad House for such events as a folk festival
this evening (from 6 p.m.), a car rally Saturday from 4 to 6, and the
Beirdo Brothers in concert Saturday night at 9.

CORPORATE CHALLENGE:  A gang of volunteer pseudo-athletes will represent
UW in competition with similar teams from other local employers at this
year's Corporate Challenge, to run from 9 to 4:30 on Sunday in the central
oval of Waterloo Park.  Marlene Miles of the community relations office
says the team includes development director Don Livingston, information
director Martin Van Nierop, Julie Cassaubon of applied health sciences,
Keith McGowan of arts computing, and other good sports.  Spectators are
welcome.

Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs
credmond@watserv1    ext. 3004