University of Alberta and AASUA bargaining update

Tentative agreement comes into force once ratified by both parties.

7 October 2025

Next steps

The university and AASUA bargaining teams reached a tentative agreement in negotiations on September 29. There are several steps in the ratification process before the agreement would be considered final and come into effect:

  • The university and AASUA are currently drafting a copy of the agreement that reflects all of the agreed-to changes.
  • AASUA must then hold an informational general meeting with its membership.
  • AASUA members will vote on the agreement following the meeting.
  • The university’s General Faculties Council then votes on a recommendation-for-approval made by its Executive Committee. This is limited to parts of the agreement having to do with procedures for the appointment, promotion, or dismissal of academic staff.
  • The tentative agreement must then go to a ratification vote by the university’s Board of Governors.

Ratification requires a majority vote

A simple majority of the total votes cast is required for ratification. Once both parties have ratified the agreement, it comes into force and is signed and submitted to the Alberta Labour Relations Board as the renewal collective agreement.

Some terms (or parts) of the agreement might take effect only once both parties have ratified the agreement, while other terms might apply retroactively to the expiration date of the previous agreement.

The university expresses its thanks and appreciation to the bargaining teams for their work overcoming impasse and getting to a negotiated tentative agreement. The university will continue to provide regular updates to the community on next steps.

Useful resources: