Bargaining and benefits: Where’s your line in the sand?
AUFA will be releasing a survey to all members to receive instructions for upcoming topics specifically related to bargaining issues such as monetary offers, academic freedom, designation, as well as benefits.
This blog post focuses on benefits because they have become a central issue in AUFA’s current round of bargaining. Rising premiums, stagnant coverage, and inflation have made it clear: our benefits need attention.
How We Got Here
Since 2012, AUFA members have seen:
A shift from employer-paid premiums to shared costs, to increasing personal costs for AUFA members
A move from direct billing to reimbursement for prescriptions
No increase to the Discretionary Benefit Fund since 2009 — now worth far less due to inflation
Currently
Member premiums have gone up almost six times what they once were (once the next hike happens in August)
Premiums went from $17.79 in 2015 to $97.07 in July 2025 with another increase coming in August.
As of now benefits cost $2,523.82 per year.
AU’s contributions have increased at a different rate, only doubling over the past six years.
AU has not requested a full market report since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has simply accepted the word of the agent of record that we are receiving the best package
As a result, our current benefits package has not been amended in years and our volunteers on the Joint Benefits Committee are not permitted the information to even determine if our package is competitive in the first place. While the outcome of bargaining will help improve the usefulness of the package and hopefully correct issues identified by AUFA members (such as how parapractitioner coverage offers unlimited physiotherapy but next to nothing for other forms of care), the premium increases and lack of a full market review are long term concerns.
The Role of Committees
While bargaining sets the broad terms of our benefits, detailed changes are intended to be handled by the Joint Benefits Review Committee, a group established in 2015 but long hindered by employer dominance of benefits discussion, and limited access to AU’s agent of record, AON. AUFA recently strengthened this committee’s mandate, but confusion and delays have limited its effectiveness.
What We’re Proposing
AUFA’s bargaining proposals include:
Employer pays 100% of premiums (reversing the 2012 change)
Increase the Discretionary Benefit Fund from $875 to $2000/year
Improvements to coverage, as to be determined by the AUFA membership
Although AUFA’s proposal contained language about direct pay for pharmaceuticals and improved vision care, we are seeking updated instructions from the membership on your top priorities. We haven’t yet discussed these at the table, and we expect pushback; that’s why we need your input.
Why Your Voice Matters
Our upcoming survey will ask how far members are willing to go to support these proposals, including potential job action. We want to know where your benefits plan requires improvement or restructuring. We’ll also gather feedback on specific coverage priorities, like mental health, vision, and prescription services. The survey will also touch on multiple other items in bargaining, and the current climate of work at AU.
We know our membership is diverse, and so are your needs. That’s a strength, but it also means we need solid data to make informed decisions. Your responses will help us push for a benefits package that works for everyone.
Stay tuned, and thank you for your continued engagement.
Remember to join the AUFA Discussions channel on Slack!
The AUFA Bargaining Team