Updates

Tentative Agreement reached – Feb 23rd, 2023

ULFA Statement of Support for Academic Freedom Article – Jan 24th, 2023

Bargaining update #7 – Jan 17th, 2023
Summary:
– All outstanding proposals tabled in a single package.
– Monetary proposals tabled.
– Employer rejected Academic freedom, GA fund, travel fund, and remote work reimbursement.
– Employer returned with a “pattern” monetary schedule and collective agreement expiry in 2025.

Bargaining update #6 – Dec 19th, 2022
Summary:
– New article sign off: Tech change and training.
– Signed off on existing articles: Termination and Renewal.
– Defended against concessions on termination.
– Contentious articles: Appointments and assignment of duties, Parking, Holidays and Academic Freedom.
– Next bargaining session scheduled for January 10th to 12th.

Bargaining update #5 – Nov 1st, 2022
Summary:
– Signed off on articles on Collective Bargaining, Management Rights, and an MOU on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
– Progressed slowed as employer sought concessions with their Hours of Work and Appointments language. Nothing agreed to yet.
– Next bargaining session scheduled for December 13^th to 15^th.

Bargaining update #4 – July 28th, 2022
Summary:
– New articles signed: Discipline, Information sharing, and Union representation and activities.
– Existing articles amended and signed: Grievance procedures and Remuneration.
– Progress on: Articles on Definitions, Management Rights, and the Collective Agreement.
– Maintained collaborative relationship with employer.

Letter in response to bill 17 amendments to ministers of labour and advanced education – May 13th, 2022
Summary:
– Bill 17 amendments forces the ULGSA to act as the bargaining unit for academically employed graduate students.
– Bill 17 amendments violate Chartered freedom of association.
– Graduate students and their associations were not consulted on Bill 17 amendments.

Graduate and post-doc worker appreciation night – May 13th, 2022 (1:00-5:00pm)
– All Graduate student and Post-doctoral workers and their families welcome.
– At the Fish and Game Hut (Kinsman Park).
– RSVP here

Bargaining update #3 – Progress at the Bargaining Table – March 15th, 2022
Summary:
– Respectful negotiations
– Signed off on five articles.
– Member survey coming soon.

Solidarity with CAHRD – February 10th, 2022
Summary:
– Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD) is in bargaining.
– Government funders not prioritizing CAHRD employees.
– CAHRD employees perform essential work and deserve a fair contract!

Crossing the picket line and TA/RA work – February 15th, 2022
Summary:
– Daily Zoom drop in from 12-1pm MST for questions
– Jackie Rice is interim supervisor during ULFA strike
– ULGA member pay is uninterrupted during ULFA strike
– Encourage participation on picket line (note: employer is surveilling picket line, only participate if comfortable).
– When accessing campus (crossing picket-line) you may need to check in with a picket captain (bright yellow vest).

Refusal to replace workers statement – Signed by AUPE, ULGA, GSA, ULPA, ULSU – February 4th, 2022
Summary:
– Pledge that our members will not replace striking workers on campus.

Letter of solidarity with ULFA – Signed by AUPE, ULGA, GSA, ULPA – February 1st, 2022
Summary:
– Administration sent this letter to the university community on January 27th.
– AUPE, ULGA, GSA, ULPA believe this letter misrepresents the motivation of a strike.
– We stand in solidarity with ULFA as they conduct a strike-vote.

Bargaining update #2 – ULGSA Bargaining Resumes – January 25th-26th
Highlights:
– ULGSA labour committee bargaining team met with HR.
– Both parties tabled non-monetary packages
– ULGSA tabled package can be found here
– Scheduling new dates for February to continue bargaining

Possibility of Faculty Strike FAQ
Summary:
– Faculty can hold strike-vote after January 31st.
– A successful strike-vote does not mean a strike is inevitable, but that it can legally occur if negotiations do not proceed.
– Strike means withholding labour to collectively equalize the power dynamic between an employer and employee.
– Graduate student pay will not be affect.
– Support the faculty by standing alongside them on the picket line and remaining within the jurisdiction of your assigned duties.

Solidarity with CUEFA
Joint letter released from University of Calgary, Alberta and Lethbridge Graduate student labour associations to express solidarity with striking faculty at CUEFA

December 2021 Newsletter
Highlights:
– Track your hours
– End of semester survey
– ULFA rally
– Bargaining will proceed in January 2022
– Join our stewards program

ULFA info-picket – November 17th, 2021
ULGA members are invited to show solidarity with ULFA in their #worthfightingfor info-picket which will highlight harmful cuts to salary, academic freedoms, cost of living adjustments and more. ULFA is 558 days into bargaining and deserve a fair collective agreement.
in the media: Global news; CTV News; LNN

October 2021 Newsletter
Highlights:
– Non-monetary package finalized
– Proposal to meet with employer in November
– Upcoming education items (see education resources page)
– As of Nov 1st, students and employees on campus must be fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, masks and physical distancing still required

Letter to Administration #1 – August 31st, 2021
ULGA cosigns on letter to Dr. Mike Mahon regarding teaching flexibility during Fall 2021 semester and rising SARS-CoV2 cases.
In the media: Global News; CBC News

---

Bargaining Update #1 – August 18th, 2021
Grad Student Bargaining Team Holds Transitionary Caucus