The results from the votes for the Spring General Elections, proposed bylaw amendments, member resolutions, and the AUFA Bargaining Proposal. 213 (51.0%) of 418 members voted in this ballot.

Bargaining negotiations with Athabasca University have officially started.

The first meeting was held virtually on May 25, 2024. During the meeting, both parties’ bargaining committee members met and briefly discussed scheduling options for the exchange of proposals and the format in which those meetings would be conducted. Drawing upon first-hand knowledge and lived experience, AUFA’s Bargaining Lead communicated to the AU bargaining team about the challenges, priorities, demands, and expectations that AUFA members have for this round of negotiations. We also affirmed our commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue to ensure those demands are met.

On April 10, the Alberta government introduced Bill 18, the Provincial Priorities Act. Bill 18 makes all federal funding agreements subject to provincial approval, including Tri-Council grants (Alberta’s 1800 grants total about $500 million). The exact process by which provincial approval is obtained will be determined later, through regulation.

The most recent AUFA member survey revisited a series of general questions aimed at understanding members’ feelings about their work, workplace, and union. The 163 responses received suggest ambivalence toward AU leadership, continued pressures on salaries and workload, and complex feedback for AUFA volunteers to consider.

At AUFA Executive’s March meeting, we finalized the details of an expanded and refreshed member emergency fund policy. You can find the policy and its accompanying forms here (insert link to policy).