SAFA / SAIT Collective Agreement Ratified
SAFA / SAIT Collective Agreement Ratified – a great way to start the Summer!
Vote results were: 396 in favour, 47 against, 443 total ballots cast
A copy of the Agreement will be posted to the SAFA website as soon as it is finalized.
After 15 months of bargaining with SAIT, we have ratified a renewal collective agreement!
Although there is no provision for a cost of living raise in the first two years of the term of the collective agreement (2017/18 and 2018/19 Academic Years), there are several changes that will have positive benefits on the working lives of SAFA members. Not the least of which is across the board reductions in Class Contact Hours (CCH) – effective January 1st, 2019.
Other changes that have a positive impact on work / life balance are the removal of the requirement for a doctor’s note after 3 days – not required now till after 10 days. The ability for members to use up to 10 days during a calendar year for absences due to family illness is also significant – as is the addition of two personal days for use as you see fit! And, of course, a workload appeal process.
The Designation of instructors formerly known as fee for service instructors as academic staff members resolves a long-standing friction between SAIT and SAFA. This will entitle this group of instructors to SAFA representation.
Finally, it’s important to note that SAIT and SAFA will reconvene by May 15, 2019 to negotiate a salary increase. If we’re unable to come to an agreement at the bargaining table by September 30, 2019, we can proceed to binding arbitration.
I’d like to mention that this Memorandum of Settlement is the result of the hard work and dedication to reach an agreement by the negotiation teams – both SAIT and SAFA. Both teams made a commitment to reach a resolution that was based on the assumption of mutual gains to both sides through interest-based bargaining.
Above all, our bargaining team is very grateful for the members’ support and encouragement throughout this long round of bargaining.
We look forward to working with SAIT on implementing the new Collective Agreement.
As always, please feel free to stop by the SAFA office N201 in the Burns Building or contact me directly – ext 4067 – or via e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions or comments.
In solidarity,