Collective Bargaining Process

September 22, 2023

Our Know Your Rights segments highlight different aspects that impact your employment at Carleton University, including highlights from the Collective Agreement in small, easy to understand bits.

As many of you already know, bargaining season is almost upon us. On April 30, 2024, the current Collective Agreement between CUASA and Carleton will expire. Within the period of ninety days prior to that expiration date, either party can serve its notice to indicate the desire to bargain with a view to renew the Collective Agreement. Despite the fixed expiration date, the Collective Agreement shall continue during negotiation until either a new Collective Agreement is ratified by both parties, or until a strike or lock-out is declared.

Prior to bargaining, CUASA’s Collective Bargaining Committee (CBC) will begin soliciting input from members to determine the priorities for the upcoming round of negotiations. The CBC is currently working to prepare the pre-bargaining survey that will be launched later this fall, which will allow members to provide input on their priorities for the 2024 round. We are also planning a series of unit visits to allow us to hear directly from members.

Once we have identified our list of priorities for bargaining, the Collective Bargaining Committee will seek approval of the Association’s bargaining mandate from CUASA Council, in accordance with CUASA’s Bylaw 1. At that point, Council will also appoint the Negotiating Team in accordance with Bylaw 2.

At the start of negotiations, CUASA will provide a list of articles in the Collective Agreement that it wishes to open. Likewise, Carleton will provide their list of articles they wish to open. Once an article is opened, it may be subject to amendments from either side. Articles that have not been identified in advance as open for negotiation must remain unchanged for this round of bargaining.

It is CUASA’s wish, as always, to reach a fair and equitable deal without having to resort to a strike. However, in the event that negotiations are not proceeding as hoped, CUASA Council may authorize the calling of a strike vote, and if necessary, the possibility of job action, in order for the Association to achieve its bargaining goals.

Members can rest assured that we will keep them informed at every step of the negotiations process. Please continue to watch for future bargaining updates as the preparations for the 2024 round continue.