Increases in Administrative Work

Members have asked whether they can be required to complete tasks normally or previously performed by other workers on campus. The short answer is yes, subject to specific limitations and considerations.

The legitimate concern that arises the assignment of new duties to CUASA members is whether doing so results in a workload issue.

Administrative work is typically considered service to the university, and the collective agreement provides under article 12.5(b) that “An employee’s service shall be in reasonable balance with the employee’s other obligations, duties, and responsibilities as set out in this collective agreement.”

For research stream faculty, article 14.2(b)(ii) also provides that “Faculty Members shall have the right and responsibility to devote a reasonable portion of their time to meaningful scholarship and research activities.”

Members being assigned too much administrative work or service work generally, should contact CUASA to discuss if their service workload is infringing on their right under article 12.5(b) and 14.2(b)(ii) (in the case of research stream faculty members) of the collective agreement.

Each member’s workload concerns will have to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

CUASA members are reminded that they must “work now and grieve later.” This means that members must comply with lawful and safe employer orders because failing to do so puts them at risk of being disciplined for insubordination. Members retain the right to file grievances if they believe the work assignment violates the collective agreement, for example, if it represents an unreasonable increase in workload, falls outside their normal duties or past practice, or interferes with their research obligations.

CUASA strongly encourages members who are being asked to do additional service work to document it carefully and to note that it is outside their normal workload and temporary in nature, so it does not quietly become treated as part of their regular duties.

To consult with CUASA about a workload concern, please email [email protected]