UPEI Administration and Faculty Association reach deal

The University of Prince Edward Island and the University of Prince Edward Island Faculty Association (UPEIFA) are pleased to announce that a collective agreement has been reached.

The University and the UPEIFA, Bargaining Unit #1 representing faculty members, librarians, sessional instructors, and clinical nursing instructors have reached an agreement for a four-year collective agreement from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020. 

“UPEI prides itself in offering great learning opportunities to all of our students so they can reach their full potential. This is only possible due to the collective contributions of our outstanding faculty,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor. “I look forward to working with our faculty association members and campus community at large to continue our momentum in providing an exceptional learning environment and great service to our Island community.”

“The Faculty Association is very pleased that negotiations have resulted in a collective agreement that ensures fairness and equity for our Members. We look forward to continuing to do what’s important to all of our members which is educating our students, continuing important research, and contributing to UPEI and our community at large,” said Dr. Nola Etkin, President of the UPEIFA.

The UPEIFA and UPEI’s Board of Governors unanimously voted for ratification.

Highlights of UPEIFA agreement:

• The agreement will include an across the board increase of 2% each year. 
• Under the new collective agreement, Deans will ensure, through working with the Chairs, that teaching workloads are equitable and fair.
• Commencing on July 1, 2017, future retirees will pay 45% of the cost of supplemental health care benefits. 
• The parties have agreed to establish an ad hoc committee, chaired by the VP Academic and Research, and consisting of  faculty members from each faculty and school and three Student Union representatives to review existing practices and examine other procedures with the aim to continue enhancing teaching and learning at UPEI.

The University of Prince Edward Island started the negotiation process with all unions in February 2016.