Essential Services

While APSA isn't a union under the British Columbia Labour Code (we are an association under the BC Societies Act), we have recently received an unusual and unprecedented request from the University to deem (under the Labour Code) certain APSA positions as "essential workers" during possible TSSU labour action. There is a precise definition of what an essential worker is under the Labour Code and you can read more about that here. This request from SFU seems inconsistent with our AD 10-15 policy on APSA members rights during labour action. We are reviewing this request with our legal counsel and will update you further, as we learn more.

Arbitrations and Grievances

APSA has filed a grievance based on article 9.2 of our Basic Agreement. This grievance is to dispute the University's inconsistent distribution of the professional development fund reimbursement payout for temporary members from our last round of bargaining. We hope to resolve this matter as soon as possible.

APSA received mediated recommendations from a grievance for 8.1 of our Basic Agreement. There was a dispute on what APSA could bargain during the last round of salary and benefits negotiations. This will inform our Salary and Benefits Committee of proposals we can present during negotiations.

APSA advocates have several ongoing grievances and investigations on accommodations, return to work and hours of work. We can't give any details due to confidentiality issues. Please see this infographic on the Life of a Grievance to learn more about how the grievance process works.

Pensions

The pension committee has launched its survey to gain further understanding of APSA members' education, knowledge and satisfaction with their current pension plan. 

Bargaining

Some good news. As we have recently received mediated recommendations flowing from our Basic Agreement grievance around what exactly can be bargained, APSA's Salary and Benefits Committee can now craft proposals based on the survey results received from members, issues arising from our Advocacy Committee and items of concern raised by individual APSA members. We will advise you shortly on the Salary and Benefits Committee's next steps.

The province has published its new PSEC mandate called the Shared Recovery Mandate.