The University of Victoria Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know
If you are a faculty or staff member at the University of Victoria (UVic), one important document that affects your employment is the collective agreement. This agreement is a legally binding contract between UVic and the union that represents your job category, whether it is the Faculty Association, CUPE 4163 (Component 1, 2, or 3), or the Professional Employees Association.
The collective agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your employment, including your salary, benefits, workload, job security, and grievance procedures. It also sets the standards for working conditions, such as health and safety, accommodation, and harassment prevention.
If you are new to UVic or have never seen the collective agreement before, you can find a copy of it online on the UVic Human Resources website or on your union`s website. You can also ask your union representative for a printed copy or for clarification on any questions you may have.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when reviewing the collective agreement:
1. Salary and benefits: The collective agreement specifies the minimum and maximum salaries for each job category, as well as the criteria for salary placement, salary increases, and other compensation such as allowances, vacation pay, and sick leave. It also outlines the health and dental benefits, pension plan, and other insurance coverage that you are entitled to.
2. Workload and working conditions: The collective agreement establishes the workload expectations for each job category, based on factors such as teaching load, research hours, administrative duties, and outreach activities. It also ensures that you have a safe and healthy work environment, free from discrimination, harassment, or violence. If you have concerns about your workload or working conditions, you can raise them with your supervisor or your union.
3. Job security: The collective agreement provides some level of job security for unionized employees, such as probationary periods, seniority rights, and layoff provisions. It also sets out the procedures for resolving disputes or conflicts between the employer and the union, such as mediation, arbitration, or strike action. If you are facing job loss or reassignment, you should consult your union representative and the collective agreement for guidance.
4. Grievance and arbitration: The collective agreement specifies the grievance procedures that unionized employees can use to challenge any alleged violation of their rights or entitlements under the agreement. This can include disputes over pay, benefits, workload, working conditions, or disciplinary measures. If your employer violates the collective agreement, you can file a grievance with your union, which will represent you in negotiations with the employer. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, it may go to arbitration, where an independent arbitrator will make a binding decision.
In summary, the University of Victoria Collective Agreement is a critical document that protects your rights and interests as a unionized employee. It is important to familiarize yourself with its provisions, seek advice from your union representative, and use its procedures to resolve any disputes or issues that may arise in your employment. By working together with your union and employer, you can help to maintain a fair, respectful, and productive workplace at UVic.