Daily Bulletin, Monday, February 6, 1995

YES, HECTOR, it is startlingly nippy.  Just the day for a brisk walk . . .
indoors.  Walk through the lobby of the Environmental Studies building, for
example, and you'll see a display of weather instruments.  What you won't
see is current readings on them.  Some of the equipment broke down more
than a year ago, and hasn't been repaired or replaced for lack of funds.
It "isn't a priority", says Ian McKenzie of the geography department, since
nobody is doing research in that precise area just now.  Besides, there are
computerized sources of weather information that didn't exist when the UW
equipment was installed on the roof of the ES building some 15 years ago.

HEALTH BENEFITS:  UW's human resources department is again urging staff
and faculty members to write to the minister of finance, Paul Martin,
opposing any thought of taxing health and dental benefits.  A similar
suggestion was made a year ago, when it was being hinted that the 1994
federal budget might change the rules so that such benefits were taxable
as income.  There were national grumbles, and Martin didn't make that change,
but it's being rumoured again as the 1995 budget approaches.

The January issue of UW's Pension & Benefits Newsletter includes a tear-off
letter that can be sent to Martin.  "My paycheque is already significantly
reduced," says the letter, "owing to Ontario Social Contract limitations and
higher provincial taxes.  Treating employer contributions as taxable
income to me would increase my taxes and further reduce my pay at a time when
my consumer confidence is already low."

STAFF VOICES NEEDED:  Sharon Adams of the staff association is pleading
for a few staff members to "offer their services" on UW committees.
"We need an alternate member for the Employee Assistance Program
Committee and two reps for the Staff Training and Development Committee.
I've had the descriptions included in the last two Gazettes but alas, no
nominations as yet! Our deadline is February 8."  She can be reached in
the school of urban and regional planning, phone ext. 3185.

THE WESTHUES CASE:  The faculty association announced Friday that a
"fact-finding committee" from the Canadian Association of University Teachers
will be visiting UW February 22-24 "to inquire into the grievance of
Professor Ken Westhues against sanctions imposed by his Chair, Professor
Ron Lambert.  The Committee hopes to interview those who have played a
major role in this case, but it would also welcome written submissions
from others who have been involved in the case or have information that
may be useful."  

CAFE, OLE!  (Didn't I use that pun just last week?)  The Cercle Francais
is holdings its annual French Cafe tomorrow, featuring "our undoubtedly
renowned crepes" as well as drinks.  Find the delectable eats in the
Environmental Studies courtyard from 11:30 to 2:30 tomorrow, Tuesday.

Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
888-4567 ext. 3004      credmond@watserv1.uwaterloo.ca