AASUA Bargaining Update
22 November 2024
Key points:
- The University of Alberta and AASUA have completed negotiations on a tentative Essential Services Agreement (ESA).
- The Essential Services Agreement (ESA) describes any work that would be allowed to continue during a legal work stoppage (a strike or lockout).
- The university and AASUA are developing a "Research At Risk of Irreparable Damage" list to be approved by both parties and included in the ESA.
- Finalization of the Essential Services Agreement does not mean that a strike or lockout is imminent. Negotiations on a renewed collective agreement continue.
The University of Alberta and AASUA have negotiated a tentative Essential Services Agreement (ESA).
An Essential Services Agreement (ESA) describes any work that would be allowed to continue during a legal work stoppage (strike or lockout). In the event of a legal work stoppage, any work not included in an ESA would stop.
Important information for Researchers
As part of the ESA negotiations, the university and AASUA are developing a “Research At Risk of Irreparable Damage" list to be approved by both parties and included in filing the ESA.
The list will set out the research work allowed to continue in the event of a legal work stoppage (strike or lockout). This work would be limited to what is necessary to prevent irreparable damage. Researchers who believe that their work meets the criteria and want their research to be included must apply before the December 19, 2024 deadline. More information on the application process and deadlines was sent in a joint email by the parties directly to university email accounts of academic staff. A copy of that email communication is available here for reference. Questions about the list and application process can be directed to esaques@ualberta.ca.
Essential Services Agreements
In Alberta, essential services agreements allow strikes and lockouts by public sector workers and their employers, while still requiring essential public services to be available to the general public during labour disputes. Essential services are those that if interrupted would endanger the life, personal safety or health of the public, or that are necessary to maintain and administer the rule of law and public security.
An essential services agreement is not required in negotiations; however, one must be negotiated and agreed to by both parties and accepted by the Alberta Labour Relations Board before a formal mediator can be appointed. A mediator might be necessary if an impasse is reached during collective bargaining when one or both parties decide no further progress is possible through negotiation discussions. Ultimately, a work stoppage (strike or lockout) can occur if dispute resolution methods, including mediation, are not successful. You can read more about the overall negotiations process in the FAQ section.
Collective bargaining continues
Essential Services Agreement negotiations occur independently of the negotiations for a renewed collective agreement. The completion and filing of an ESA does not mean that a strike or lockout is imminent and negotiations on a renewed collective agreement continue in good faith between AASUA, and the university.
Learn more about essential services agreements at the U of A in the FAQ section.