As you may know, Athabasca University (AU) is currently in negotiations with the Athabasca University Faculty Association (AUFA) for a new collective agreement setting out the terms and conditions of employment for AUFA employees. You may have also heard the news that AUFA has recently unilaterally applied for formal mediation. We have received a number of questions from learners about how this impacts them.
At this time, there is no impact on learners or courses. We will continue to keep you updated in the coming weeks if this situation changes.
AU has made real efforts to reach an agreement with AUFA that would ensure a sustainable and balanced solution now and for the future, aligned with the university’s vision and strategic priorities. This will not change.
However, there is significant distance between the parties’ positions at the bargaining table. AU remains hopeful that a labour disruption can be averted.
We do not think a strike would be in the best interests of learners or the AU community. If mediation is not successful, there is a real possibility of a strike. If a labour disruption does occur, AU is prepared. We have plans in place that will ensure learners are able to complete most courses as scheduled.
We know this is an uncertain time and are committed to keeping you informed as this process continues.
As we proceed through the next steps, we encourage you to regularly check AU’s bargaining website for updates. We have also posted FAQs on that website that will be regularly updated.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. We will continue to keep you updated.