Graduate Students' Association and University of Calgary ratify two-year collective agreement

The University of Calgary’s Board of Governors, Human Resources Governance Committee and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) have ratified a new collective agreement, taking effect May 1, 2018 and expiring April 30, 2020.

Bargaining between UCalgary and the GSA began in March 2018, with all parties coming to the table with thoughtful and meaningful discussion. An agreement in principle was reached quickly, with the formal ratification process ending this past week. 

Prioritizing student awareness

University of Calgary Provost Dru Marshall said both parties aspired to clarify existing rights and responsibilities, adding that it was clear from the onset negotiations were going to be positive.

“A shared goal at the table was to ensure graduate student employees were aware of their rights and obligations,” says Dr. Marshall. “Graduate students are an integral part of our Eyes High Strategy, which includes becoming a top five research university in Canada by 2022.”

GSA pleased with agreement

The GSA represents approximately 6,400 members and administers over 1,600 contracts per semester. Those who participated in the electronic ratification voted 100 per cent in favor of this agreement.

GSA President Brit Paris says this new agreement includes language that strengthens the obligations surrounding offers of employment and clarification that helps graduate students understand their Collective Agreement.

“It’s very important for us that the collective agreement is understood by our students and followed by their employers,” Paris says.

“We worked collaboratively with the university administration to ensure the updated collective agreement is clear for graduate students and provides the support students need during their studies. We are very pleased with the finalized agreement and the overwhelming support we received from graduate students.”

A new version of the Collective Agreement  has been posted on the Human Resources website and the Graduate Students' Association website, which includes FAQs.