The University of Western Ontario will be spending a lot of time at the bargaining table this year as it prepares to negotiate contracts with seven unions and employee groups.
Contracts for graduate teaching assistants, operating engineers, postdoctoral associates, Professional and Managerial Association, University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA), University of Western Ontario Staff Association, and Select Administrative Group Employees expire in 2010.
As for when the contract negotiations are set to begin will depend on the meeting dates and times mutually agreed upon by the negotiating teams. Some meetings are already underway, including those for UWOFA. A meeting was held on June 22 and another is scheduled later in the week.
“Each negotiation will have its own items, but typically negotiations include issues around compensation, benefits and conditions of work,” says Helen Connell, Associate Vice-President (Communications and Public Affairs).
“Out of respect, however, for both the process and the colleagues with whom we are negotiating, we are not discussing matters in public that rightfully belong at the negotiation tables.
“All our employees play a crucial role in Western fulfilling our teaching and research mandate. Balanced against our responsibility as a publically funded organization, Western will be negotiating agreements with each of our unions and employee groups that enable the university to continue to attract and retain the best faculty and staff to ensure Western’s ability to provide the best student experience.”
A link will be posted to Western’s home page called Contract Negotiations @ Western where updates about negotiations and other relevant information will be posted.
“While we will not be conveying information that rightfully belongs at the negotiating table; we will provide fact-based information on the progress of talks,” says Connell. “Just as we strive to do in all our communications, this site will reflect the values of Western to transparency, collegiality and respect.”
Contracts under negotiation
Graduate Teaching Assistants (PSAC Local 610) – 1,900 employees (approximately), contract expires August 2010
Operating Engineers (IUOE Local 772) – 10 employees, contract expires June 30, 2010
Postdoctoral Associates (PSAC Local 661) – 40 employees, negotiating first contract
Professional and Managerial Association (PMA) – 1,000 employees, expires October 31, 2010
University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA) – 1,700 employees, expires June 30, 2010
University of Western Ontario Staff Association (UWOSA) – 1,090 employees, expires June 30, 2010
Select Administrative Group Employees (SAGE) – 16 employees, June 30, 2010