The University of Winnipeg

Updates on labour negotiations between UWinnipeg administration and UWFA Main

Last Updated: March 11, 2011, 9:10 p.m 

UWINNIPEG FACULTY RATIFY NEW COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

Agreement includes 5.41% increase to salary and other benefits over three years, increased pension contributions and improvements to administrative issues

UW RELEASE – 2011/045

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011

WINNIPEG, MB – The following is a joint release by The University of Winnipeg Faculty Association (UWFA) and The University of Winnipeg administration.

Members of the UWFA Main bargaining unit, representing 350 professors, librarians, coaches and athletic therapists at The University of Winnipeg, have voted to ratify a new collective agreement. The agreement, which will be effective from April 1, 2010 to March 30, 2013, includes a 5.41% increase over three years to salary along with improvements to salary ranges, professional development and pension contribution increases.  Most of these increases will take effect in the third year of the agreement, 2012/13. 

The agreement also ensures that UWinnipeg faculty will earn similar salary scales to other Manitoba universities by October 2012.  Furthermore, the new agreement addresses other administrative issues such as appointments of faculty, tenure and promotion decisions, and the rights and responsibilities of faculty members.

"At the end of this difficult period of negotiations, we are happy to be in our classrooms with our students to finish up the academic term," said UWFA President Kristine Hansen. "The settlement is reasonable in the Manitoba university context, and it builds the basis for fairness in the years to come.  We appreciate everyone's efforts to conclude an equitable agreement."

The agreement includes:

1.  In Year 1 (April 1, 2010 to March 19, 2011), no cost of living increases.  However, there will be a 1/4 increase for Career Development Increments (CDIs) for each eligible member and a $500 increase to CDIs above Threshold I for Associate and Full Professors.  Both changes are to be effective March 18, 2011, representing a 0.61% overall increase.

2. In Year 2 (March 20, 2011 to March 31, 2012), a .5% general salary increase including floors, CDI’s and thresholds effective the bi-weekly pay period that includes January 1, 2012.  As well, there will be a $500 base salary adjustment (not to CDIs) effective the bi-weekly pay period that includes January 1, 2012 (including floors and thresholds), and a 1% pension contribution increase by both the employer and employees.  This represents a 1.27% overall increase.

3. In Year 3 (April 1, 2012 to March 30, 2013), a 2.8% general salary increase including floors, CDIs and thresholds.  As well, there will be a $50.00 increase to Travel and Professional Development Accounts (TPDAs) and a $525 base salary increase (not to CDIs) effective bi-weekly that includes October 1, 2012. This represents a 3.5% overall increase.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of this process," said UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Lloyd Axworthy.  "This collective agreement is both fair and fiscally responsible, and will ensure we are able to recruit and retain top-quality faculty, and addresses many important administrative issues for our faculty.  I would like to congratulate all of those involved with the bargaining and conciliation process for their commitment and dedication to achieving a settlement in the best interests of our faculty, our students and our University."

The parties will not be making any further public statements at this time.

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