AUFA negotiated and AUFA members ratified three cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in the last collective agreement. This COLA settlement was consistent with settlements across the province.
On April 1, 2023, AUFA members received a 1.25% COLA increase to salaries and grids.
On December 1 members will receive their second COLA increase of 1.5%.
Looking forward to 2024, there is the potential for a third COLA increase. This increase is more complex.
The COLA increase is 0.5% to salaries and grids.
The increase is contingent upon Alberta’s economic performance.
If the average of all private forecasts for Alberta’s 2023 Real GDP is at or above 2.7% as of February of 2024, the additional 0.5% COLA will be paid.
If the COLA is paid, it will be calculated retroactively to December 1, 2023 and applied (with retro pay) in the February or March 2024 paycheques.
Essentially, we will know in February if there is a further 0.5% COLA increase that applies retroactively to December 1.
AUFA will commence collective bargaining this spring to renew our collective agreement. More information will be forthcoming from the AUFA bargaining team in due course.
Bob Barnetson, President