Inside Your Union: What We’re Working On
Welcome back to Inside Your Union, our ongoing newsletter series highlighting the work SAFA does behind the scenes to support members. Beyond bargaining and formal meetings, your SAFA representatives are busy addressing workplace concerns, participating in committees, reviewing policies, and developing resources to help members understand and exercise their rights.
As we settle into the new academic year, here’s a look at what we’ve been working on:
📌 Workload Education & Support: SAFA’s new Faculty Workload Education Committee is developing resources to help members understand workload assignments, track working hours, and navigate the complaint process. We also continue to support members with individual workload concerns.
📌 Advocacy: SAFA is proactively bringing member concerns to SAIT Executive, including classroom and lab safety issues related to the absence of phones, and questions about using SAIT equipment for instructor upskilling and personal projects. We encourage members to keep sharing workplace concerns with their SAFA representatives so we can advocate for solutions.
📌 Committees & Governance: Thank you to everyone who volunteered for SAIT/SAFA joint committees! One position remains open on the joint Workload Monitoring Group, which reviews faculty workload complaints. Interested members can contact the SAFA Office for more information.
📌 Member Connections & Engagement: This fall, SAFA has welcomed new colleagues at orientation, supported SAIT-affiliated clubs and activities, and encouraged members to get involved in their union. Later this month, we’ll also highlight contingent faculty concerns as part of CAUT’s national Fair Employment Week campaign. Watch for more information!
Have a question about SAFA’s activities or a topic you’d like us to cover in a future update? Let us know!
In Solidarity,
Jessica Norman
SAFA Communications Officer
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Know Your Collective Agreement: Salary Grids
Did you know that SAFA’s Collective Agreement includes three salary grids – one each for faculty, educational counsellors, and librarians? (See Section 50)
October is a good time to review the grids since many members advance one step on October 1st each year. (Advancement on the grid is in addition to the 3% increase that is applied on July 1st under the current contract.) You’ll advance on the salary grid so long as:
• You currently hold a Permanent Salaried, Temporary Salaried, or Casual position.
• You were first hired before July 1st, 2026, and have been continuously employed in salaried or casual contracts since that time.
• You have not already reached the maximum increment on the grid.
Members who hired into their first qualifying position on or after July 1st, 2026, will receive their first grid step increase in October 2027. To confirm your current grid step placement, goto MySAIT> MyEmployee > Pay Information> Job Summary. Select the Job Information link for details about your position.
SAFA members who hold an Adjunct position should review their employment contract for their rate of pay, as these positions are not on a salary grid. All members should contact Human Resources if they have questions about their rate of pay.