VIU AND VIUFA APPROVE NEW COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

The Vancouver Island University Faculty Association (VIUFA) has informed Vancouver Island University (VIU) that its membership has ratified a new collective agreement for the period of April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2014. The University’s Board of Governors and the Post-Secondary Employers Association (PSEA) have also approved the settlement.

The settlement includes four 1% wage increases throughout the period (effective January 1, 2013 – 1%, April 1, 2013 – 1%, September 1, 2013 – 1%, January 1, 2014 – 1%) for a total increase of 4% by the end of the agreement.

The agreement reflects the commitment of VIUFA and VIU to work collaboratively to create a collective agreement that supports tackling tough issues such as instructional workloads, and formative evaluations. The agreement also creates expedited processes to resolve disputes, and enhances the commitment of both parties to maintain a respectful workplace.

“I wish to extend my thanks to the negotiating teams for both VIUFA and the University for the successful outcome of this bargaining session. The climate they brought to the negotiations is greatly appreciated,” said Ralph Nilson, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor. “The legacy of this work will help establish an important pattern for future developments at the University.”

“We are happy to have come to an agreement,” said Gara Pruesse, Chief Negotiator for VIUFA. “This is a difficult climate for negotiations. Nevertheless, the teams of both Employer and the Faculty Association approached the challenges cooperatively and creatively, to get to a new contract that works for our members and for the University.”

VIUFA represents more than 730 faculty, instructors, technicians and other staff at Vancouver Island University’s campuses and centres in Cowichan, Nanaimo, Parksville-Qualicum and Powell River.