UGFA Negotiation Updates
Community Updates
The tentative agreement that was reached on October 20, 2024, has been ratified by both parties. The new agreement will be in place until June 30, 2027, and addresses key priorities for both sides, including workload and compensation. The agreement will be available online in the near future.
The University and UGFA have reached a tentative agreement with the assistance of a mediator. The agreement will require ratification by both parties.
The University and UGFA continue to engage in discussions, with meetings with a mediator scheduled for Oct. 19 and 20 as well as bargaining dates scheduled into mid-November if necessary.
Both parties have received the ‘no-board’ report that was requested by UGFA on Sept. 30. This puts UGFA in a legal strike position near the end of the month. A ‘no-board’ report is a standard procedure in collective bargaining and does not mean a strike is imminent or probable. Should a strike become imminent, the University will proactively notify the U of G community.
The University and UGFA have made progress over the past several months and continue to have meaningful discussions regarding outstanding issues. The University is committed to reaching an equitable and fair agreement that acknowledges the essential contributions of our faculty.
The University and UGFA have had three bargaining sessions since the previous update on Sept. 25, including once with a conciliator on Sept. 27, and have currently set aside bargaining dates through mid-November.
On Sept. 26, UGFA held a strike mandate vote of its membership and is preparing should a strike be called. On Sept. 30, UGFA requested a “no board” report which allows for a legal strike to occur after the report has been received and a defined period of time has passed. These are standard steps in the collective bargaining process and do not mean a strike is imminent or likely to occur.
The parties continue to meet and make progress on outstanding articles. Two days of meetings with an external mediator are scheduled for October 19 and 20.
The University remains committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement that recognizes the vital contributions of our faculty while ensuring the continued success and financial sustainability of the institution for all students, faculty and staff.
Negotiations between the University and the UGFA are ongoing and progressing at a regular pace.
On Friday, Sept. 27, a Ministry of Labour conciliator will join the bargaining session. This is a routine step in negotiations and does not mean that a strike is imminent or likely. The conciliator helps both parties continue productive discussions.
UGFA has scheduled a strike vote for Thursday, Sept. 26. A strike vote is a normal part of the bargaining process; it gives UGFA the authority to call a strike if necessary, once legally permitted. It's important to understand that a strike vote does not mean a strike is inevitable.
Ongoing Bargaining Sessions
Negotiations are scheduled to continue regularly, with dates already confirmed through mid-November. The University and the Faculty Association have agreed to work with a mediator, if needed, for bargaining sessions on October 19 and 20.
Next steps
Both parties are meeting at least twice a week, having met on Sept. 23 and 25 with a scheduled upcoming meeting on Sept. 27.
The University remains committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement that recognizes the vital contributions of our faculty while ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the institution for all its members.
We will continue to provide updates as the process evolves.
U of G and UGFA have met eight times and most recently met yesterday. The major themes emerging in this round of negotiations are workload, course delivery and compensation. At this time, the parties have agreed to 18 articles and letters of understanding and continue to meet with the aim of making meaningful progress. The University values its relationship with UGFA and the parties have a positive history of renewing collective agreements without a labour disruption.
Last week, the University of Guelph and the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA) began negotiations for a renewal collective bargaining agreement.
Bargaining began on May 28, and there are more meetings scheduled between now and June 30.
The University of Guelph is committed to its negotiations with UGFA and to reaching an agreement that is fair and responsible.
Updates will be posted as they are available.
Meeting Dates
Both parties are meeting at least twice a week.