Mount Royal University protesters decry provincial interference in bargaining, Bill 18 [Video]

Staff and students at one of Calgary’s largest post-secondary institutions are protesting a recent provincial bill they fear will limit academic freedom and threaten funding.

A rally was held Tuesday afternoon at Mount Royal University (MRU), where there were concerns about collective bargaining and with salaries.

Those who spoke at MRU said the Alberta government is overstepping when it comes to negotiations.

“The government has initiated some mandates in terms of what types of wage increases we’re looking at,” explained Michelle LoGullo, president of the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSU).

She said staff has been offered two years of two per cent, and another two years of 1.75 per cent over the span of a four-year collective agreement — which, with inflation and cost of living, LoGullo said is insulting.

“I personally am taking home 20 per cent less pay than 2016 due to the erosion of my wage with inflation. So the offer that they’re putting on the table …