Hi friends,
I hope the end of March is treating you splendidly. This letter brings with it news on AMUSE, as well as news on that other A-word you’ve been seeing around the city lately. Austerity measures have provoked many anti-austerity events, and we will be telling you more about them over the next several weeks.
Demonstration Against Austerity
On Thursday April 2nd, some of our members are gathering a [McGill contingent](https://www.facebook.com/events/800015696752357/) to join the “No to Another Austerity Budget” demonstration downtown. By gathering beforehand we plan to increase McGill participation in the rally, and also go through some safety concerns with participants. Find us at the Roddick Gates at noon!
Training for Direct Actions
Some direct actions get messy. To get more informed about how to do them properly and efficiently, we’re doing a workshop with a QPIRG-affiliated group calling themselves the sweet yet ominous Killah Cupcakes. Their goals are (1) to prepare groups to plan effective direct actions with a thorough understanding of the risks involved and how to minimize them, and (2) to plug groups into a secure communications network through which they can get large numbers of people out to their actions, as well as build real solidarity by participating in the actions of other groups
If you’re staying in town this weekend, come to our office for the training on Saturday, April 5th. It starts at 2pm!
AMUSE floor fellows respond to key documents (including values)
Following the March 13 meeting, at which time the university presented three key documents – code of conduct (values), roles and responsibilities, article on training and development – during the March 20 meeting, the union indicated its position on these documents.
The union expressed its overall satisfaction with the code of conduct (values) and the roles and responsibilities documents. With minor adjustments, the parties were able to reach a consensus on these two documents
Upon discussing the article on training and development, the union maintained its position that not only should it be consulted on the above documents, but that no changes could be made to the code of conduct (values) without the union’s approval.
The administration maintained its position that it was ready to consult and would give consideration to comments and recommendations from an advisory committee. However, it is not prepared to give up its management right on this issue
No agreement was reached. The union said it will meet with its members to seek their opinion, adding that it may seek conciliation. The next meeting is scheduled for April 17.
Endorsement of WSSA Anti-Austerity Strike Motion
The AMUSE Board of Representatives has unanimously voted to endorse the Women’s and Sexual Diversity Studies Student Association [General Assembly motion](https://www.facebook.com/McGillWSSA) to go on a 6 day academic strike, against austerity measures. This strike vote comes with many other student associations voting to take similar measures. You can consult the running list of them [here] (https://printemps2015.org/fr/compteur-de-grevistes-printemps-2015/).
Other Events:
Economics for Everyone! Come listen to Prof. Luis Padilla talk about the economy from a labour perspective; Wednesday, April 1st, Education building 437; 12pm; Organized by the MUNACA Social Justice Committee
