GSA’s associate vice-president (labour) removed from his position

On November 18, an email shared with The Gateway stated that Nathan Lamarche, the associate vice-president (labour) (AVPL) of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), would be removed from his position.

The GSA is holding a by-election to fill the vacant position for the remainder of the term. Voting will take place from December 10 to 12. 

This happens while the GSA is in the collective bargaining process for academically employed graduate students.

The Appeals and Complaints Board (ACB) ruled to remove Lamarche from his position following a complaint filed by the GSA President Aashish Kumar. 

The decision to remove Lamarche came after a paid, five-month suspension of Lamarche. 

Complaint against Lamarche claims aggressive behaviour and discrimination

Kumar’s 14-page complaint filed against Lamarche, which The Gateway obtained a copy of, outlined concerns with “aggressive” behaviour, Lamarche interrupting other GSA officers, using a dismissive tone, and accusing officers of committing crimes. The complaint also stated that Lamarche has expressed hostility towards the GSA structure and legal counsel.

Kumar also cited an email from Lamarche which stated that “we are from drastically different cultures. We have drastically different values … but you need to understand that I am not approaching things your way.”

Kumar noted the use of the word “dictator” as having racial undertones due to Kumar’s background. In another instance, Lamarche sent an email on August 22 which stated, in part, that “people need to be put in jail. People need to be expelled and deported.” 

The ACB’s decision to remove Lamarche from his position stated that the statements constituted harassment, were demeaning, and were racially and culturally insensitive in nature. 

Lamarche disputed in an interview that his email from August 22 should have ever been part of the evidence in his hearing as this was an email he sent to the ACB chair at the time. He believes the email was bound by ACB confidentiality, but that the ACB violated that.

Lamarche also explained that he does not have prejudice against other racialized people, but simply believes that those who commit serious offences should be deported. He has accused multiple members of the GSA Board of election fraud and defamation. 

Lamarche has also filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Alberta Labour Board regarding his suspension and what he says is an effort to stop him from criticizing the GSA. A hearing is yet to be held for the complaint.

Language taken as threats

Kumar cited examples of threatening behaviour and language, such as Lamarche saying he would fight against Kumar if he attacked the labour movement and calling Kumar an opponent and enemy of the labour movement. 

Kumar also noted Lamarche calling himself a militant labour representative as being troubling and hostile. 

Lamarche explained to The Gateway that being a militant labour representative is not a threat, rather it means he is unwavering in his work and in standing up for the labour movement. 

Lamarche disputed the validity of the complaint as the copy he received was not signed by Kumar. GSA policy H.POL.14.1.c requires that complainants sign their complaints.

Lamarche filed a complaint in response, outlining issues such as being removed from the hiring process of the executive director, allegations that in off-the-record conversations GSA staff have threatened him, systematic discrimination against Indigenous people, fraudulently calling the University of Alberta Protective Services (UAPS) on him, and public defamation. He also alleged financial and election fraud, and criminal activity.

Lamarche has also filed other complaints against Kumar and other GSA directly elected officers, but says the ACB has not acknowledged and responded to his complaints. 

The ACB held a hearing on November 14 during a time that Lamarche communicated to him that he would not be able to attend. Lamarche told The Gateway that his witnesses were also unable to attend because it was a private Google Meet. 

Because Lamarche was not present, he doesn’t believe the hearing followed due process and as such, he claims the removal from his position is illegal.

In a statement regarding Lamarche’s removal, Kumar said “in my view, language like this is xenophobic toward any student. I am grateful that the GSA does not tolerate harassing or discriminatory conduct.”

Collective bargaining for academically employed graduate students stalled

Lamarche told The Gateway that his suspension has prevented him from conducting the duties of the labour portfolio for most of the term. He is concerned about a lack of education being provided to academically employed graduate students.

Lamarche also has concerns about how the GSA is managing regular tasks for the labour portfolio. He cited an example of academically employed graduate students having to request an exemption for exceeding their average work hours in a week. 

He said this is very common for academically employed graduate students, but he does not know how the GSA is managing this in his absence. 

Kumar said in an emailed statement to The Gateway that the work of the labour portfolio has continued in Lamarche’s absence through the Labour Relations Committee. He added that key responsibilities have been delegated to the Chief Steward. 

“The Associate Director of the GSA continues to provide support as well, and the ongoing relationship with [Public Service Alliance of Canada] (PSAC) has ensured that graduate students’ labour concerns remain fully supported.”

The former associate director of the GSA resigned in September and former GSA Council Speaker Zain Patel has filled the role.

PSAC, which has been bargaining on behalf of the GSA in Lamarche’s absence, has filed an Unfair Labour Practice Complaint against the university on behalf of the GSA.

PSAC claims that the university has refused to negotiate an essential service agreement and has refused to schedule dates to negotiate this agreement. An essential service agreement is negotiation to determine how both parties would maintain the delivery of essential services in the case of a lockout or strike.

The U of A posted a statement online, which said in part that “a negotiated settlement between the GSA and the university would eliminate uncertainty for graduate student employees and the university and is in the best interest of all parties.” 

The university also claimed that an essential services agreement is not required to reach an agreement. The agreement is only required before a mediator can be appointed to resolve an impasse, according to the U of A. It claims it has proposed dates to continue bargaining.

Lamarche also concerned over Indigenous representation

Lamarche also has concerns with how the GSA handles Indigenous representation. He was the third Indigenous DEO elected in the GSA’s history.

The second, Benjamin Kucher, was elected last year as vice-president (student life). He resigned partway through his term.

Tamara Dubé is also Métis, and currently holds the position of vice-president (Indigenous relations) (VPIR) in the GSA. However, she has encountered challenges in assuming her roles as VPIR and has remaining concerns.

This includes the allocation of the unspent VPIR stipend, which she claims the GSA is refusing to release to the Indigenous Graduate Students’ Union (IGSA) without an audit. Kucher is now the IGSA president.

Kumar has disputed that the GSA is anti-Indigenous or has mistreated Indigenous representatives. He also said that an audit is necessary to transfer the money to the IGSA.

Lamarche said the GSA has held healing circles to discuss the GSA’s treatment of him but did not invite him to those circles. He found that insulting to his culture and an abuse of it. 

“They have shown every single opportunity they’ve had that they are going to disrespect Indigenous Peoples,” Lamarche said.