Your bargaining team met with the employer for a day of negotiations last week, which followed two days in March when opening proposals were exchanged and initial discussions occurred. You can find summaries of AUFA’s opening proposal and AU’s proposal online.
To date, we have signed off on a few minor clauses that clean up wording, update terminology, adjust to AU’s biweekly pay cycle, and reflect the new applicability of the Labour Relations Code. None of the agreed-upon clauses have a material impact on the membership.
We also began discussions on a few more of the substantive clauses, including changes to the equity articles and our proposal regarding sick leave and increased compassionate leave provisions. No agreement has been reached on these topics yet.
We have not yet addressed most of our proposals or the most contentious of the employer’s proposals. One of our biggest concerns is that the employer still has not tabled their monetary proposals. We continue to argue at the table that the full package is necessary as soon as possible.
Without seeing the full picture of what is on the table, it is difficult to accurately evaluate the implications of individual proposals on our members. If the employer continues to delay their monetary items, it will become increasingly difficult to make progress.
One thing that is clear is speaking up matters. When our members voice their opinions about the employer’s (and our) demands, it strengthens our arguments at the table. It also does not go unnoticed by the employer and makes it harder for them to drive their agenda. So, please keep letting us and the employer know your thoughts about bargaining and that you want to see a deal that respects and values you as an AU employee.
We have two dates currently scheduled in May and are pushing to confirm additional dates as soon as possible. We will keep you informed of any developments as bargaining proceeds.
Jason Foster, Chair
AUFA Bargaining Committee