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Published by the Students’ Society of McGill University
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A fte r 2 1
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F e a tu re s Canada’s trade policies questioned by human rights groups. Page 9
E n t e r t a in m e n t Make waifs in the Parc and making Montages - Xtra special! Page 13
S p o rts Redmen basketball winless in three. Page 19
C o lu m n is ts David Bushnell........... Page 8 Susan P eters...................Page7 Cornell W right........... Page 7 D e p a rtm e n ts Crossword......................Page8 Observer.........................Page8 What’s O n ................Page 23
McGILL NIGHTLINE 598-6246 A confidential information, listening and referral service. For students, by students. Open 9pm-3am until Sept 30 6pm-3am thereafter
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Volume 15 Issue 17
m o n th s
c o n tin u e s L ittle h o p e in s ig h t f o r s o lu tio n to TA c o m p la in ts
An archetypal stand-off between workers and administration is well under way at McGill. On May 6, 1994, the Association of Graduate Students Employed at McGill submitted a proposal to their employers which entailed demands for sig nificant changes in the current relationship between teaching assistants and the university. This call for change has come from a union of TAs that considers I the present employment structure unacceptable. Some of the main targets of scrutiny included in the submission involve TA salaries, hours worked, and the number of students TAs are responsible for. Primarily, there is a reported 300 per cent discrepan cy in salaries between TAs in different departments. Further, many TAs complain of having to work unpaid for hours in excess of the 12-hour weekly maximum. Moreover, some TAs are responsible for up to eighty students. According to AGSEM mem ber Hugh Potter, the current arrangement is unac ceptable. “Graduate students are damaging their own ability to finish their theses,” Potter said. “The quali ty of teaching is suffering as a result of overworked TAs.” In addition, Potter pointed to the inadequacy of current salaries. “There has been no salary increase since the mid-80s, and the cost of living since then has gone Not exactly the ceiling o f the Sistine chapel, b u t close enough. up 30 per cent,” he said. McGill launches 175 celebrations with the opening o f the Snow P antheon. Page 2 While complaints about TA working conditions are plenty, there is also an external source of cha grin. Principal Bernard Shapiro’s report, “Towards a New McGill” is perceived by members of AGSEM to suggest a lack of sincerity on behalf of the admin istration. In an open letter to the Principal from AGSEM, questions were raised as to how a plan that involves eliminating the role of TAs can be submit ted in the midst of contract negotiations. tude and prestige. The athletes participating By A rjun T aneja “AGSEM is extremely disturbed...that the pro in this competition had high praise for both posals in your report ‘Towards a New M cG ill’ Saturday, January 27 saw track and field the facility and organisation of the event. would abolish the role of the teaching assistant,” the First-year Colgate student Josh Banks teams from universities in the U.S. as well as letter stated. “In light of your comments to the press Canada descend on the Fieldhouse, as McGill was both impressed with the facility and the and the slow pace of negotiations, we find ourselves played host to an international track and field organisation. questioning whether McGill is truly negotiating ‘in “This facility is as good as any I’ve ever competition. good faith’ with the TA union.” American teams from Syracuse, Colgate, seen and so far everything is running smooth Principal Shapiro responded to the open letter, and Plattsburgh State joined Canadian squads ly,” he enthused. stating that it is unlikely that TA positions will ever in M ontreal to participate in the annual Banks was also impressed with the level cease to exist at McGill and that the university is, in McGill Invitational Track Meet. of competition present at the event. Colgate fact, negotiating in good faith. The recent opening of the state-of-the- competes at the Division 1 level in track and art Fieldhouse has made it possible for Continued on Page 2 » Continued on Page 20 McGill to easily host events of this magni
M c G ill h o s ts in te rn a tio n a l tr a c k a n d fie ld m e e t
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By B enji W einstein
Solving the obesity puzzle with a new protein. Page 9
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In Domino Confido
t h is w e e k Proposed referendum question will ask students which national organisa tion to join. Page 3
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* MC DE BURGER KING CORPORATION 1996
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‘includes two flame broiled Whopper* sandwiches and two medium fries.
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1996