First Negotiation Meeting
SAIT administration and SAFA commenced negotiation of a new collective agreement on Wednesday, March 31st. The intent of this first meeting was to establish protocols and introduce negotiations.
Members of the Negotiating Committee for SAFA include: Al Brown (Chief Negotiator), Ken Upton, Earl Simpson, Adrienne Jones, Jessica Norman, and Blair Howes (SAFA President).
General Information about the bargaining process, as well as regular status updates, can be found on the SAFA website.
Members of the bargaining team for SAIT administration include: Jody Fraser, Bengt Northwood, Janet Segato, Lisa Barrett, Amy Dowd, and Lindsay Crocket.
Summary of SAFA’s opening proposal to SAIT
SAFA’s bargaining mandate was developed through membership engagement in the fall of 2020 via surveys and town hall meetings. Based on this information, SAFA crafted a proposal that we feel addresses issues important to all members.
This post highlights topics in SAFA’s opening proposal, although it is not exhaustive – as bargaining proceeds, proposals will change as information arises. The negotiating team will keep you informed of progress through future posts, although to ensure we bargain in good faith, the level of detail provided in these updates may be limited. SAFA encourages members to attend town halls and regular meetings where more information and updates can be provided.
Money & Benefits
- SAFA will propose a two-year term for the new Collective Agreement.
- SAFA is asking for a cost-of-living adjustment to the salary grids.
- SAFA will introduce development of benefits options for contingent faculty.
- We will also work to increase the HSA/Wellness accounts.
Workload
- SAFA will propose creating new definitions for roles such as fully online, blended, and self-directed online learning.
- SAFA will work for formal recognition of the extra workload of online or hybrid delivery.
- We also believe instructors should be compensated for assignment of special roles.
Job Security for Contingent Faculty
- SAFA will introduce development of an institution-wide defined performance review process for contingent faculty.
- SAFA will work for more transparent and standardized contingent contracts.
- We believe it is also important to define a process for contingent faculty to become permanent employees.
Performance Reviews, Professional Development Funds, and Intellectual Property Issues
- SAFA will work to disconnect the salary grid advancement and long service allowance from performance review.
- SAFA will propose expanded professional development support, both in-house and externally.
- SAFA will introduce clear limits on the use of recordings and materials without the express permission of the instructor.
If you have any questions about the bargaining process, please contact SAFA at [email protected]
April 7th: First Negotiation Meeting