Hello Members!
Have you been circling the Interurban Campus parking lots endlessly trying to find a spot? Have you even gotten a ticket when you just have to park somewhere, anywhere in order to make it to teach your class on time?
Well, you aren’t alone! In fact, there’s tons of us having the same issues. But our employer continues to deny that there’s a problem and is withholding parking data from us. We’re heading for an Arbitration on this issue over Clause 19, which reads:
The Employer shall provide parking near the place of employment at no cost to the Employee. Such parking shall be subject to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency regulations with respect to taxable benefits.
Here’s how to help:
- Every time you have an issue finding parking, get a ticket, or see students using STAFF spaces, report it to us, Robbins, AND Cam-motion.
- Send us your photos & video when you can’t find parking.
- Count the STAFF stalls in the lot that you normally use. Tell us which lot & how many there are.
- Tell us if you used to regularly use the Camosun Shuttle between campuses rather than driving and parking at Interurban.
- Let us know if you have signed up for the new Alternative Transportation Program (or plan to).
- Tell us your ideas for how to relieve the parking congestion!
Here’s a great example letter written by one of our colleagues:
I teach on Thursdays at Camosun Interurban campus from 1:30-4:20pm. Every week I spend 20-30 minutes searching for parking. Not once have I been able to park in a designated staff parking spot. This is because the spots are usually taken by students, as evidenced by the lack of staff parking permits in their cars.
As a result, many times I am forced to park in a spot that is not designated for staff or students. The last time I parked in a non-staff/non-student spot I received a ticket, despite my staff parking pass being clearly displayed on my dash.
It’s absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable that staff are ticketed for parking in non-designated spots, while students are not, and can park wherever they please. Given that there is already a CCFA grievance in process (23-07 CCFA Grievance, Step 3 – Inadequate Parking), I respectfully request that you waive this ticket.
All college employees, CCFA, CUPE, Exempt, and contractors share the same “STAFF” spaces, but CCFA members are frequently required to move back and forth between campuses, often during peak times. It doesn’t seem fair that if you can’t find a spot that you’re still paying the taxable benefit either! We have to refute the College’s insistence that they are providing adequate parking and enforcement and we need your help!
Lynelle Yutani (she/they)
ac.ytlucafnusomac@tnediserp
President, Camosun College Faculty Association
Lynelle is a queer, leftist rabble-rouser galvanized to guard the rights of union members and is on a crusade to convince you that you get out of your Union what you put into it. Lynelle serves on Presidents Council of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators (FPSE) and was elected to FPSE Executive as a Member-at-Large. She is on a number of FPSE affiliate committees, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Racialized Workers Caucuses for the BC Fed, and is active in the Victoria Labour Congress. Lynelle also serves as V.P. of her Strata Council & oversees a rooftop community garden which partners with Harvest & Share Food Aid Society to grow fresh produce for local foodbanks and community food security programs.
Tony Webster says
One easy way to relieve parking congestion and achieve several other benefits all at once: more members taking active transportation to campus! I would like to see more incentives to encourage this within an ATD – for example cash back on an e-bike purchase or bike equipment? Thanks!
Michael Stewart says
Thanks Tony! You will be happy to know that we agree with you. In fact, your CNC team proposed something very similar to your suggestion, but it was not accepted by the Employer. We will continue to push for more climate-friendly programs and infrastructure!