AUFA begins bargaining preparations

Bargaining will begin again soon, the collective agreement between AUFA and the Board of Governors expires on June 30, 2024 and will remain in place until a new agreement is reached. As we begin this new cycle of bargaining with AU, membership perspective is key. This post describes the process and timeline for bargaining and how members are involved.

DEC 2023

  • AUFA’s engagement committee has sent out a members survey with a focus on what matters to membership in the collective agreement negotiation. This survey closes December 15th 2023.

  • Bargaining committee is formed and is currently comprised of: Karie Chambers (Lead, professional, FST), Corina Dransutavicius (professional, ITS), Bangalay Kaba (academic, FB), Stella George (academic, FST), Carolyn Greene (academic, FHSS ), Serena Henderson (professional, AUPress), Jessica Muller (academic, FHD). Support is provided by Richard Roach (AUFA Executive Director).

  • Once the survey closes an analysis will begin. This will identify bargaining priorities for AUFA.

  • AUFA executive will appoint a committee to negotiate an Essential Services Agreement (ESA).

JAN/FEB 2024

  • Bargaining committee attends negotiation training from CAUT.

  • Specific bargaining points are identified.

  • A second survey is sent to membership regarding more specific bargaining points to help prioritize bargaining objectives.

  • A membership consultation on whether any AUFA jobs constitute an essential service will take place.

MAR/APR 2024

  • An opening proposal is formed.

  • Opportunity to comment on draft proposal sent to membership.

  • A notice to bargain is made (by either party).

  • An opening proposal and bargaining strategy is finalised.

  • Notice to negotiate an ESA is served on the employer.

MAY/JUN 2024

  • Bargaining meetings with employer will begin.

  • An ESA application will be made to the Labour Board.

Actual dates may change depending on when the bargaining process formally begins. At the earliest the notice to bargain could be issued March 1, 2023 and a proposal from AUFA to AU would be mid-April. More likely it will be later with proposals being made in May 2024.

Stella George, AUFA Bargaining Team
Karie Chambers, Lead, AUFA Bargaining Team

AUFA UpdateAthabasca University Faculty Associationbargaining