By Lisa McGifford, UWFA Staff Officer

We are now at varying phases of bargaining for all three of the UWFA bargaining Units.

Collegiate: We have been to the table once and agreed on a bargaining protocol and scheduled some meeting times. We will be exchanging proposals on non-monetary items next week. The Employer’s team includes Laurel Repski as Chief Negotiator, Mike Bergsgard (Associate Dean (Acting), Education), Gina Schiak (HR). The UWFA team includes Karen Zoppa as Chief Negotiator, Lisa McGifford (UWFA Staff Officer), Jim Treller (Collegiate), and Michael West (Collegiate).

Contract Faculty: The next meeting is scheduled to occur the week following reading week. The parties have agreed to a number of articles including one on a Labour Management Committee to deal with issues arising from the CF collective agreement and another on appointments, including the right of first refusal. They have also concluded discussion on other non-contentious matters. The teams have differing perspectives on the role of CF and this is why it is difficult for us to agree on some matters. The Employer takes the position that CF are teaching-only positions while UWFA is taking the pro-rata approach that is advanced by CAUT. This has led to disagreement on some matters such as Academic Freedom and Rights and Responsibilities.

Main Unit: We have received Notice to Bargain from the Employer. The Executive has ratified the appointment of Wendy Josephson (Psychology) as the Chief Negotiator with the rest of the team still to be decided upon. The Collective Bargaining Committee has been struck and is meeting the first Monday following reading week. We will hold a series of meetings with Members and ultimately distribute a survey in order to develop a mandate, which will then be brought before the Main Unit membership.