Athabasca University: The insults keep coming

Your negotiating team met with Athabasca University (AU) on Sept. 3 and 4.

We were optimistic the employer would come prepared with a written counteroffer to our proposal from July. Unfortunately, we were disappointed. AU was reluctant to put a counteroffer in writing but eventually re-shared their original offer of 7.5% over four years.

This offer was insulting the first time it was presented. And now, after we have seen higher offers at other post-secondary institutions, it is completely disrespectful. 

The recent settlement between AUPE members and the Government of Alberta reinforces our arguments. AU has the room to offer us better wages and benefits. Read the mediator’s recommendations.

Your team is frustrated, but we are committed to getting the collective agreement that we deserve. We clearly stated our priorities to the employer:  

• Increased wages;
• The implementation of a wage grid;
• Adding the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation to our paid holidays;
• Increase to the Discretionary Benefit Fund.

Next meeting – Oct. 21

Your negotiating team let AU know we expect a written wage proposal at our next meeting. We do not want a repeat of this fruitless meeting; we demand a serious wage offer.

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Please contact a member of your negotiating team if you have any questions or concerns regarding this bargaining update.

AUPE NEGOTIATING TEAM – ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY

Jessie Jones
jessie.jones_88@live.ca

Michael MacLean
mtmaclean@gmail.com

Davina Goettlicher
nourish.cafe@hotmail.com

Shannon Splinter
shannonxsplinter@gmail.com

Kevin Gray (Alt)
kevingray010@gmail.com

AUPE RESOURCE STAFF

Scott Drake Negotiations
s.drake@aupe.org