AUPE and NorQuest College start negotiations for new collective agreement
EDMONTON – Negotiations have begun for a new collective agreement between members of Local 071/010 of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees and NorQuest College.
Bargaining between the union and the downtown Edmonton college began June 3, with a formal exchange of proposals, followed by additional meetings on June 15, 16 and 23. More bargaining dates are scheduled for July 16-21 and 22-23.
“The Bargaining Committee is working hard on behalf of the approximately 300 members at NorQuest to reach an agreement that is within the employer’s funding limitations but which is fair to members,” said AUPE Staff Negotiator Jim Petrie, who leads the union bargaining committee.
“NorQuest has reported they only have funding established for the next year, with a limited increase in their funding envelope,” Petrie said. “Accordingly, we have asked for a one-year collective agreement with only a 6-per-cent pay increase for our members.
“This is a reasonable proposal in the present economic climate that accounts for the true costs faced by members and the capability of the employer to provide a reasonable pay increase,” Petrie said.
Petrie said AUPE has also opened several items in the existing collective agreement to address long-term concerns of members, including vacation provisions and contract language dealing with the rights of term employees.
While the parties were able to sign off a number of routine items in the initial bargaining, Petrie said, the union is concerned by some proposals brought forward by management.
These include a wish to delete military leave for members who serve Canada through membership in the Armed Forces Reserves and to make unfair changes to provisions relating to discipline and attendance, Petrie said.
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