Ian McKay, Professor of History, Queen's University

28 November 2008

Dear Campaigners,

I would like to add my voice in support of your struggle to organize at Queen's. As a faculty member, I have often been very glad to have a union to protect my rights, and I cannot imagine life at Queen's without one. Staff members do so much of the work at Queen's, facilitating the research and teaching carried out by faculty-and in many ways serving as the front-line workers in the university's dealings with students.

Especially in these times of looming austerity and economic crisis, a union is essential-and I am glad to hear our hard-working staff members are considering making one a reality. As a labour historian, I am acutely aware of the indispensable role unions have played in defending their members and making Canada a more equitable and democratic place. I wish Queen's staff every success in joining the ranks of organized labour in Canada.

Ian McKay
Professor of History