The University of Calgary Union Agreement: What You Need to Know

The University of Calgary is one of the most prominent institutions of higher learning in Canada, known for its excellent academic programs and research opportunities. Like any other university, it has a strong and active union that represents the interests of its faculty and staff.

In 2019, the University of Calgary and its faculty union, the University of Calgary Faculty Association (UCFA), entered into a new agreement. This agreement was the result of extensive negotiations between the two sides and went into effect on July 1, 2019.

So, what exactly is the University of Calgary Union Agreement, and what does it mean for the university`s faculty and staff? Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Salary Increases

One of the most significant changes in the new agreement is a series of salary increases for faculty and staff. The agreement provides for a 0.75% increase in base salaries in the first year, followed by a 1.5% increase in each of the following two years. This increase should help to ensure that faculty and staff at the University of Calgary can keep up with the rising cost of living and remain competitive with other institutions.

Benefits

The agreement also includes a range of important benefits for faculty and staff. These benefits can include things like extended health and dental coverage, pensions, and various forms of insurance. Having access to these benefits can help to ensure that faculty and staff at the University of Calgary are financially secure and well taken care of.

Professional Development

The agreement also recognizes the importance of ongoing professional development for faculty and staff. To that end, it includes a provision for increased funding for professional development opportunities. This funding can be used for things like workshops, conferences, and other training programs that can help faculty and staff stay current in their fields and improve their teaching and research abilities.

Academic Freedom

Finally, the agreement includes a section on academic freedom. This section affirms the right of faculty to explore and publish research without fear of reprisal or censorship. It also outlines certain procedural protections that faculty are entitled to if they feel that their academic freedom has been violated.

Overall, the University of Calgary Union Agreement is an important document that helps to ensure a fair and equitable workplace for faculty and staff at the University of Calgary. By providing for salary increases, benefits, professional development, and academic freedom, the agreement recognizes the crucial contributions that faculty and staff make to the university`s academic mission.