As we shared with you last month, Athabasca University (AU) is currently in negotiations with the Athabasca University Faculty Association (AUFA) for a new collective agreement to set out the terms and conditions of employment for AUFA employees.
Mediation update
AUFA stepped away from formal mediated bargaining last week but continues to engage in bargaining with AU this week with the support of a new mediator. We are hopeful it will lead to a sustainable and balanced agreement, aligned with the university’s vision and strategic priorities. AU remains optimistic that a labour disruption can be averted.
We have received a number of questions from learners about how a labour disruption could affect them, should a labour disruption occur. I committed to keeping you updated.
We are not currently experiencing a labour disruption
Currently, we are not experiencing a labour disruption and there is no impact to learners or their courses. We will continue to keep you updated if this changes.
Undergraduate learners
If our negotiations with the help of a mediator are not successful, there is a possibility of a strike. If a labour disruption does occur, AU is prepared. We have plans in place that will ensure undergraduate learners are able to complete most courses as scheduled.
Graduate learners
There will, however, be impacts to graduate learners. Some learners will be temporarily unable to continue with their studies in the event of a work stoppage, including supervised research activities and paid work as research assistants. Affected graduate learners will be contacted directly. Appropriate arrangements will be made for the completion of studies at the end of a labour disruption. Again, AU is working hard to negotiate an agreement and is hopeful we can avert a labour disruption.
Stay current on updates
As bargaining proceeds, we encourage you to check AU’s bargaining website regularly for updates. We will continue to keep our Frequently Asked Questions updated on our bargaining website (auupdate.ca). If you have a question we haven’t answered, please use this form.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.