This week, we have updates on consultation, picket-sign making, and testimonials.
Consultation Update
Last week’s bargaining letter indicated AU is currently consulting with its unions about the proposed de-designation policy. That said, no dates for further consultation have been scheduled and the unions have not received any indication of if or when a revised policy might be provided for review.
Picket-Sign Making
Given the lack of progress in getting AU to withdraw its proposed de-designation policy, the Membership Engagement Committee (MEC) has continued with its plan to increase public pressure on AU. Last week, the first of several planned picket-sign brown-bag lunches was held in Edmonton. The signs in the image above are taken from this event.
Additional sign-making events are planned. The next event is tentatively scheduled for March 19 at noon in the ARC cafeteria in Athabasca (pending virus-related changes) . These signs will be necessary if AUFA members are required to host information pickets at upcoming AU events or during Board of Governor’s meetings.
Testimonials
Over the next few weeks, AUFA volunteers will be pushing out selected testimonials from AUFA members about why they choose AUFA over social media. These testimonials were selected based upon their content and the willingness of the authors to have their testimonial made public.
Voluntary Buy-Outs
Earlier this year, AU approached AUFA, AUPE and CUPE with a voluntary departure package. This package allowed AU employees who wished to leave AU to apply for one of two departure packages.
The unions have agreed to allow AU to make this offer. The unions were unsuccessful in getting AU to improve the terms of the buyout packages. The proposed buyouts provide financial compensation that is less than most AUFA members would be due under the layoff provisions of the collective agreement:
* There is currently an ongoing grievance about whether AU is required to pay out the value of all benefits (e.g., health, dental, life, pension) if AU chooses to provide 12 months of pay in lieu of notice.
If you are considering voluntary retirement or separation, note that, AU retains total discretion in which applications will be accepted and AUFA will have little ability to contest anything to which you agree.
Further, if AU lays you off:
You get more money (most AUFA members would get 18 months or notice/pay).
You get longer benefits coverage (or pay in lieu).
You have recall rights rather than being barred from re-employment.
If you wish to discuss you options, please contact the AUFA office at aufahq@aufa.ca or 780 675-6282
Bob Barnetson, Member
AUFA Membership Engagement Committee