Bargaining Preparations Update: February 2024

Bargaining Preparations Update

In December, the AUFA bargaining team provided a high-level overview of its bargaining preparation process. This blog provides an update on the status of preparations as well as the forecasts the next steps.

Member Survey (Completed)

In November, AUFA’s membership engagement committee surveyed membership priorities for bargaining. Approximately 140 responses were received. Detailed results were forwarded to the bargaining team and a high-level summary was provided to the membership.

Developing Initial Approaches (Completion mid-February)

Since early January, the bargaining team has been meeting weekly to review the membership feedback from the survey. This has included identifying priority asks (such as pay increases) and how to approach more complex issues.

Additional Member Consultation (late February)

The bargaining team had identified a need for additional information from members on some items. For example, while benefit improvements were a priority for members, there was no clear consensus about which benefits required improvement. This additional information will be solicited in a second member survey to be conducted in late February.

Developing Opening Proposal (March)

The bargaining team will develop a draft proposal in early March. The key asks and rationale for each ask will be shared with the membership for feedback.

Opening Proposal Ratification (late March/early April)

Once member feedback on the committee’s initial thoughts has been reviewed and incorporated, the bargaining team will present a proposed opening offer to the membership for review and, subsequently, ratification.

Notice to Bargain (late April)

AUFA’s bargaining team anticipates serving notice to bargain on AU in late April. This will trigger a first meeting (by late May) and an exchange of proposal (mid-June).

Bargaining (Autumn)

AUFA’s bargaining team anticipates bargaining to take place in September and October. AUFA advised the employer in January of our hope that we can make significant progress towards a new agreement by Halloween.

If there is not significant progress by Halloween, AUFA’s bargaining team will consider moving to formal mediation. This approach reflects our belief that bargaining dragged out for far too long during the last round.

Essential Services Agreement Consultation (Complete)

In January, AUFA consulted with the membership to determine whether any members performed essential services (as per the Labour Relations Code). Consistent with our experience in 2022, no members appear to perform such work. AUFA is hopeful it can submit an application for an essential services agreement waiver jointly with the employer in May.

Bargaining Team Updates

As per the bylaws, AUFA’s executive has confirmed a few changes in the membership of the bargaining team. As of today, the bargaining team comprises Eloy Rivas-Sanchez (FHSS, lead), Corina Dransutavicius (IT), Jessica Muller (FHD), Jen Rempel (Library), Kaba (FB), Carolyn Green (FHSS), Regan Hack (FHD), and Richard Roach (AUFA executive director).

On behalf of the bargaining team,

Bob Barnetson, President