Postdocs, UCalgary ratify new collective agreement

The University of Calgary and the Postdoctoral Association of the University of Calgary (PDAC) are pleased to announce that we have ratified a new collective agreement. 

Formal negotiations began in December and through hard work and collaborative discussions, we reached an agreement that runs from Jan. 1, 2024, to June 30, 2028. This agreement incorporates important improvements to the terms and conditions of employment for postdoctoral associates.

Among the improvements are a two per cent salary increase effective July 1; and subsequent increases of two per cent on July 1, 2025; 1.75 per cent on July 1, 2026; and 1.75 per cent on July 1, 2027. The minimum annual salary rate for postdoctoral associates will also increase on July 1 of each year of the collective agreement. 

Other key elements include a new annual flexible spending account for health and wellness, an increase to the minimum postdoctoral associate appointment for those who have received external fellowship funding, and the creation of joint working groups to improve annual performance reviews and to address concerns related to hours of work.

“The university is grateful for PDAC’s collaboration in successfully reaching a collective agreement,” says Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). “Postdoctoral associates are integral members of our university community, and the improved terms and salaries provided through this agreement will immediately benefit those who are working currently and into the next four years.” 

“PDAC is pleased to have come to an agreement that will improve working conditions and compensation for postdoctoral associates at the University of Calgary in the coming years,” say Dr. Nynke van den Hoogen, president of PDAC, and Kim Smith, PDAC’s executive director and labour relations officer.

“We are grateful for the collaborative experience of working with the university to come to an agreement where all parties can benefit. This is monumental in this very tumultuous time of bargaining in this province.”

Over the coming months the university will continue to work with PDAC to implement the terms of the agreement and enhance the postdoctoral experience.