A collective agreement is a legally binding written agreement between an employer and a union representing employees. It outlines the terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security. In the case of the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), the UFV Faculty and Staff Association (UFVFSA) negotiates the collective agreement on behalf of its members.
The latest UFV collective agreement was negotiated in 2019 and covers the period from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2022. It includes a 2% wage increase in each year of the agreement, improvements to benefits, and changes to working conditions. The agreement also addresses issues around workload and workload protection for faculty members.
One of the most significant changes in the 2019 collective agreement is the creation of a Professional Development Fund (PDF). The PDF is designed to support professional development opportunities for faculty and staff members and is worth $500,000 over the life of the agreement. This fund recognizes the importance of ongoing training and education for UFV employees and the value it brings to the university as a whole.
Another important aspect of the UFV collective agreement is the provision for job security. The agreement includes language that protects employees against layoffs and provides a process for addressing potential job loss. This provision is particularly important in light of the economic uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UFV collective agreement is an essential document that outlines the working conditions and benefits for UFV employees. It represents a negotiation between the university administration and UFVFSA, with the goal of ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all employees. UFV faculty and staff members should familiarize themselves with the collective agreement and understand their rights under its terms. The agreement is a vital tool for ensuring that employees are treated fairly and equitably in the workplace.