Bargaining Updates
Post-mediation Negotiations
During the final mediation session on January 17th the ULFA negotiation team clearly indicated to the Board negotiation team that they were available to hear
Components of the Offers of Settlement
An evaluation of compensation erosion due to inflationary pressures in Alberta is presented in Figure 1. Years of 0% Cost of Living Adjustments at the U of L have left members’ salaries increasingly eroding against inflation.
Why are we at Impasse?
Members of the academic staff at the University of Lethbridge love what we do. We share a deep commitment to our students and to our
Bargaining Impasse Town Halls
Town Hall meetings providing updates on the current status of Bargaining were held on January 18th and January 21st. Prepared remarks were provided by Locke
Offers of Settlement
Before withdrawing from mediation on Monday, January 17, the ULFA Negotiating Team had informed the Board Team of its view that the sides were too far apart on key issues, and that an impasse was imminent. In an effort to clarify positions and attempt to reach an agreement, each team presented an “offer of settlement” during the day’s negotiation.
SAVE THE SEMESTER: INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
We have worked hard to keep the University going through the uncertainty of a pandemic, provincial budget cuts, and administration-led restructuring process. ULFA is committed to ensuring that we give negotiations every possible chance to succeed, and we are using all of the tools available to us to avoid a labour disruption.
Formal Mediation / Impasse Update
A two-week “cooling off” period begins today, with the end of formal mediation. If no progress is made in negotiating significantly better terms than the Board’s current offer of settlement on meaningful items within ULFA’s bargaining mandate within these two weeks, the ULFA Negotiating Team will be recommending that the ULFA Executive call a strike vote.
Impasse Reached in Formal Mediation
Today’s session was the ninth since the Board unilaterally called for the appointment of a mediator in late October. While there has been some movement around the edges during the time, the Board has shown very little willingness to engage with the principal mandate.
Mediation and Essential Services Agreement Update
With the ESA accepted, formal mediation through the ALRB has now been initiated as of December 21st, 2021 (as applied for on October 28th, 2021). There were six sessions of informal mediation that took place on Nov. 29th, 30th, and Dec. 6th, 7th, 10th, and 16th. The parties are in the process of identifying times for formal mediation in January.
Mediation Underway
On November 29 and 30, the ULFA and Board negotiating teams held two full days of mediation. This was facilitated by mediator Michael Dyer, who was appointed by the Alberta Labour Relations Board. Two additional dates of mediation are scheduled on December 6 and 7.
Nov. 4th Bargaining Town Hall and Recent Updates
This post contains the following information updates:
1. Nov. 4th Bargaining Town Hall,
2. Status of the Essential Services Agreement (ESA),
3. Mediation, and
4. CAUT defence fund approval.
Essential Services Agreement Update
On Monday November 1st, 2021, the Essential Services Agreement (ESA) between ULFA and the Board was signed by both parties. The current agreement closely resembles our previous ESA and includes the same services performed by academic staff in the event of job action that were agreed to be essential in the 2019 agreement.
