The University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan campus, located in Kelowna, has over 8,500 students and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Like most universities, UBC Okanagan has a collective agreement in place for its faculty members.
What is a collective agreement?
A collective agreement, also known as a union agreement or a collective bargaining agreement, is a legal contract between an employer and a union that represents a group of employees. The collective agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment, including salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
The UBC Okanagan Faculty Association (UBCOFA) represents faculty members at UBC Okanagan and negotiates the collective agreement on their behalf. The current collective agreement was ratified in 2019 and is effective until June 30, 2022.
What are the key provisions of the UBC Okanagan collective agreement for faculty members?
Salary increases: The collective agreement provides for salary increases each year of the agreement. In the first year, faculty members received a 2% salary increase, followed by a 2.1% increase in the second year and a 2.2% increase in the third year.
Benefits: The collective agreement provides for a comprehensive benefits package, including extended health care, dental care, and vision care. Faculty members can also participate in a pension plan.
Workload: The collective agreement sets out guidelines for workload expectations for faculty members. The workload expectations are designed to be reasonable and take into account factors such as the type of appointment, the level of academic activity, and the needs of the department.
Professional development: The collective agreement provides for professional development opportunities for faculty members, including funding for attending conferences and workshops.
Job security: The collective agreement provides for job security for faculty members, including provisions for layoffs and recall rights.
What are the benefits of having a collective agreement for faculty members at UBC Okanagan?
A collective agreement provides stability and job security for faculty members, which can reduce stress and improve job satisfaction. It also ensures that faculty members are fairly compensated for their work and have access to essential benefits such as health care and retirement savings.
For the university, a collective agreement can help to attract and retain top talent and improve overall morale among faculty members. It also provides a framework for resolving disputes and addressing issues as they arise.
In conclusion, a collective agreement is an essential document for faculty members at UBC Okanagan. It provides a comprehensive framework for employment terms and conditions, ensuring that faculty members are fairly compensated and have access to important benefits. The provisions of the collective agreement contribute to a positive working environment and job satisfaction for faculty members.