May 17th: SAFA Prepares for Next Round of Negotiations
SAFA Prepares for Next Round of Negotiations
It’s time to think about our next round of bargaining with our Employer! While it feels like we just ratified a new contract, our current Collective Agreement will end on June 30, 2024.
Did you know that negotiations typically take 24+ months from preparation to ratification? That’s right! If we want to be ready to meet SAIT at the bargaining table next year, SAFA needs to build a Negotiating Committee this spring. We are also looking to expand our support for bargaining by forming a new Research Sub-Committee to provide specialized skills and knowledge to the main committee.
Negotiations Timeline
While Earl Simpson, Amin Fard, and Jessica Norman have been appointed to the main Negotiating Committee with Craig Coolahan, the Research Sub-Committee members will be appointed next fall by the SAFA Executive Board. We hope members with the following skills and knowledge will be interested in helping with this important work:
- Strong quantitative/mathematical modelling skills.
- Ability to analyze financial statements (i.e., accounting skills).
- Ability to analyze policies, contract language, and union agreements.
- Skilled in creating surveys and analyzing results.
- Experience with SAIT policies, past practices, and governance structure.
- Experience with specific roles or contract-types at SAIT.
Please be aware that while the outcomes can be rewarding, the negotiating process is a very long and frustrating commitment. Serving on the Research Sub-Committee may involve a time commitment of more than a year. If you are interested in supporting your negotiating team, watch for a call next fall!
In Solidarity,
Jessica Norman
Past member
SAFA Negotiations Team