Collective Bargaining Update #05

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cpandersonmtroyalca · Accepted Answer

[see the pdf of this blog post here]

EXCHANGE OF STATEMENT OF INTERESTS MOVES US TO STAGE 3

Dear MRFA Members,

The collective bargaining process has started in earnest with our first meeting with the Board of Governor’s Negotiating Team. The meeting consisted of exchanging statements of Interests, discussion of ground rules, and exploring details of an Essential Services Agreement (ESA). The Association’s Bargaining Index now moves to Level 3. Show your support for the Bargaining Committee by displaying the “I support the MRFA Negotiating Team” on your door!

Meeting #1 Highlights:

Held on February 27, 2024 in the Peggy Brydon Room in MRFA Faculty Center, this in-person meeting focussed on initial steps in the bargaining process.

Key Takeaways

Here are some details about in-person meeting

Ground Rules discussions touched on computer use during meetings and preferences for meeting formats.
The Essential Service Agreement (ESA), required under the Labour Code to ensure counsellors meet their duty of care in the lead up to and onset of job action (lockout/strike) was discussed. The Board proposed modifications to emergency procedures that would be followed.
The Board provided an initial response to the MRFA's Information Requests, which are necessary for the Association to negotiate more effectively on behalf of members. We had some insights into the University’s data limitations and explored various privacy concerns.
Each parties’ Statements of Interest were exchanged, offering an overview of each parties’ overarching mandates and goals.

2. Exchange of Statements of Interest Insights:

MRFA and BoG each presented their Statements of Interest, outlining their priorities and objectives for the collective bargaining process.

Insights:

The Board's interests, approved by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Governors, covered areas like
- assessing the tenure, promotion, and annual performance review processes;
- ensuring equitable workload for Faculty;
- ensuring that processes in the Collective Agreement are clearly articulated; and
- ensuring that the economic outcomes of collective bargaining are responsible and sustainable.
MRFA’s interests were those approved by membership in our mandate (Collective Bargaining Blog #2), focussing on restoring compensation, renewing workload, and correcting the reliance on and unequal treatment of contract faculty.

3. Stage 3 - Collective Bargaining Index Level:

We have now entered Stage 3 of the Collective Bargaining Index. This phase involves both parties exchanging their respective interests. A new collective agreement is being negotiated between the bargaining teams.

4. Detailed Analysis of Statements of Interests - Mark Your Calendars:

Looking ahead, we are preparing for a review of the respective Statements of Interests at the Regular MRFA Meeting on April 5, 2024. The Bargaining Committee will explore the interests and priorities outlined by both MRFA and BoG.

If you have any questions, contact Guy Obrecht or send your thoughts to negotiations@mrfa.net.

Thank you for your continued dedication.

In solidarity,

The Collective Bargaining Caucus

Call to Action

Post signs of support for your Negotiating Team on your office door and/or in common areas if you share an office with others. These will be put in your mailboxes by your Department Liaison by Mar 4.

Quick Chat Catalysts

Exchange of Statements of Interest – The Association and the Board exchanged Statements of Interests on 27 February 2024.
Stage 3 - Collective Bargaining Index Level - **We have now entered stage 3 and are in active negotiations: members’ engagement is important throughout this stage**
Analysis of Statements of Interests - MRFA Regular Meeting 5 April 2024 (Register to attend here).

Mount Royal Faculty Association

Collective Bargaining Update #05

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