University of Alberta - GSA Bargaining Update

Updated 8 December 2025

Deal is possible

The university and Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) have been negotiating a renewal collective agreement since December 2024. There have been nine bargaining sessions to date, the last of which occurred on July 8, 2025.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), acting as an agent for the GSA at the bargaining table, declared an impasse on July 8th. The university does not agree with PSAC’s decision and believes the parties can reach a deal at the bargaining table.

Unfair Labour Practice complaint is without merit, delaying negotiations

On Nov. 6, PSAC filed an unfair labour practice (ULP) complaint against the university. The complaint states that the U of A refuses to negotiate an essential services agreement (ESA). The allegations are without merit, as is demonstrated in the contradictory evidence provided by PSAC to the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) in their submission.

• PSAC initially stated to the U of A that an ESA was not required. However, GSA Bylaws direct that it “will negotiate and regularly review an Essential Services Agreement with the University” (Q.POL.8.2.c) and, as noted previously by the university, an ESA is required in Alberta before formal mediation can occur.
• PSAC has incorrectly interpreted information offered by the university as the university initiating ESA negotiations.
• The university has clearly stated that its position is that “the parties can resume discussions at the table” and that it requested that PSAC indicate how it would like to proceed. PSAC quotes this in their submission.
• The university has repeated in writing that it was not initiating ESA negotiations, that it believes that negotiations could continue on a renewal agreement, and asked that, if PSAC believes an ESA is required, that PSAC provide a proposal as required by 95.4(2) of the Alberta Labour Relations Code. The Code is clear that either party can initiate ESA negotiations.

PSAC’s actions delaying a deal for GSA

A negotiated settlement between the GSA and the university would eliminate uncertainty for graduate student employees and the university and is in the best interest of all parties. PSAC’s recent actions are delaying opportunities for constructive conversations at the bargaining table and delaying completion of a renewal agreement.

ESA not required to reach an agreement

ESAs are not required in the collective bargaining process and are not required for the parties to reach a renewed collective agreement. However, in Alberta an ESA is required before a mediator may be appointed to help resolve an impasse in bargaining, and before any legal work stoppage (strike or lockout) may occur. The university did not have a finalized ESA with either NASA or the PDFA before reaching their renewed agreements.

University has proposed dates and is ready to continue negotiations

The university believes that the parties can reach a negotiated agreement and wishes to continue discussions at the bargaining table. The university’s bargaining team has proposed new meeting dates and stated that, while it does not believe ESA negotiations are necessary at this time, that if the GSA or its agents disagree they are welcome to submit an ESA proposal as per the Code.

More information on impasse, ESAs, and the bargaining process are available at the Bargaining FAQs page. Updates will continue to be provided to the university community on the U of A Bargaining pages.

Useful resources:

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