Episode 8.45 - The Most Bizarre Interview We've Ever Done!
Summary
Host Nate Pike interviews Dave Powell, grievance lead for the Athabasca University Faculty Association, regarding a professor forced to choose between her job and her child’s medical care. Dr. Sabine Graff relocated to Austria for specialized surgeries to save her son’s legs, as Canadian options involved amputation. Despite her excellent performance and the university’s remote model, HR recently threatened termination, citing tax risks and ignoring five years of prior accommodation.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The bonkers grievance at Athabasca University
The child's rare medical condition and lack of care in Canada
Why working remotely from Austria is standard for this online university
The absurdity of the university's initial reaction and misinformation
The professor's successful work and treatment while in Austria
HR's sudden intervention and threats to revoke tenure and union status
The union's perspective: An easy win ignored by administration
Political context: The UCP government and university relocation fears
Local politics and the push to keep the university in Athabasca
Legal obligations and the absurdity of the 'undue hardship' claim
The union's campaign and the university's silence
Potential political fallout and the 'don't chop off kids legs' slogan
Conclusion: Shout out to Sabine and call to action for listeners
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