University filing for formal mediation in negotiations with AASUA

University and AASUA bargaining update: next steps following informal mediation

The university has decided to file for formal mediation in its negotiations with AASUA. This is in response to AASUA's decisions to halt informal mediation and to file an unfair labour practice complaint against the university in which AASUA seeks to pause negotiations. The university remains committed to a negotiated agreement that considers both the valued contributions of academic staff and the broader university community and interests.

To reach a renewal agreement, negotiations must continue

The current round of negotiations between the university and AASUA have been ongoing since March of 2024 and measured progress was being made at the table. The parties entered into informal mediation in March hopeful to reach a tentative agreement.

The university believes a negotiated agreement is still possible, but to do so the parties must resume the conversation. That is why the university has decided to file for formal mediation with the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) and bring AASUA back to the negotiating table.

University is ready and willing to reach an agreement

Last week, AASUA submitted an unfair labour practice complaint against the university concerning the ongoing negotiations between the parties. The university believes that the allegations contained in the complaint are without merit and will defend its bargaining approach through the Alberta Labour Relations Board’s usual process.

AASUA’s decisions to halt informal mediation and to seek to pause negotiations for the duration of its unfair labour practice complaint could delay a new agreement for many months. While the complaint resolution is ongoing, the university remains committed to achieving a negotiated settlement - as has always been possible in previous rounds.

An agreement was ratified with the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA) this week through collegial negotiations. The 4 year deal includes a general wage increase of 3 per cent per year, consistent with other agreements in the province.

What formal mediation means for the university community

Formal mediation is common and very frequently results in successful agreements. The most recent agreement with AASUA was the result of formal mediation. While formal mediation is a required step before any legal work stoppage (strike or lockout), a strike or lockout is not imminent.

As members of the community have raised questions about this process it is important to note that, as has been previously stated:

• In formal mediation, the parties work with a government-appointed mediator to reach a settlement.
• Formal mediation does not impact university operations and is part of the regular bargaining process; learning, research, student life and services continue uninterrupted.
• Through collective bargaining, the U of A is seeking an agreement that is equitable, consistent with provincial directives, and that ensures the long-term sustainability and growth of the university and our collective research and teaching pursuits.
• A strike vote is a vote to go on strike, not merely a demonstration of solidarity. A strike vote does not mean a better deal.
• A strike would have very real impacts on students, staff, faculty and operations.

For more information on formal mediation, work stoppages, and the bargaining process visit the Bargaining FAQ page.

The university looks forward to continuing the conversation and reaching a renewal agreement and thanks the community for its patience and understanding as these negotiations continue. It is a priority of the university to reach renewal agreements with all of its associations and focus energies on continuing to provide world-class learning, research and employment opportunities for the entire University of Alberta community.

Useful resources:

• Bargaining Frequently Asked Questions
• Learn about collective bargaining at the U of A