University of Alberta and AASUA bargaining teams agree to informal mediation
4 March 2025
Key points:
- The university and AASUA have agreed to three days of informal mediation sessions, to take place March 25-27. The parties have successfully negotiated many items at the bargaining table but others, including monetary, remain.
- Informal (or voluntary) mediation is one form of dispute resolution in collective bargaining. In informal mediation, both bargaining teams select a third-party mediator who works with them to try and reach an agreement.
- The university is encouraged by this positive step to successfully reach an agreement through negotiations.
The university and AASUA bargaining teams have held 18 meetings negotiating a renewed collective agreement since March 5, 2024 when the parties exchanged opening proposals. Discussions have been encouraging and tentative agreements have been reached on several items.
With some items still outstanding, including the monetary proposals, the parties have agreed to informal mediation.
Mediation can help parties reach agreement
Informal mediation is a dispute resolution method in collective bargaining that can advance negotiations when the parties otherwise find themselves unable to come to agreement on items through regular discussions. In informal mediation, the bargaining teams agree to a neutral, third-party mediator who works with the bargaining teams to try to reach agreement. Other forms of resolution, including formal mediation, remain as options.
Mediation to begin in late March
The parties are scheduled to enter into three days of informal mediation on March 25, 26 and 27. Mark Asbell, K.C will serve as mediator. The meeting scheduled for March 24 has been cancelled and the Meeting Schedules page has been updated.
University life continues as usual
There is no impact or change to learning, research or university operations during mediation. Informal mediation also does not indicate that a work stoppage (strike or lockout) is imminent and is not part of the legislatively required steps before a strike or lockout can take place.
New FAQs have been posted to the Bargaining FAQ Page answering common questions about mediation including:
- What is the difference between formal and informal mediation?
- What happens following mediation?
- What does mediation mean for students?
The university is encouraged by this positive step in the bargaining process and thanks AASUA for their continued commitment to reaching a renewed collective agreement through negotiations, as has always been done.
Updates to the community continue to be provided by the university on Tuesdays through this website.