In a strong expression of support for its executive and bargaining team, the membership of the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association voted to ratify the 2018-2020 Collective Agreement between the Association and Board of Governors.
The electronic ballot opened with a special general meeting on June 11 and closed at midnight on June 18. 249 members, or approximately 55% of the Association Membership, participated in the election. 223 ballots (90.8%) were cast in favour of the executive’s motion to approve the agreement. 23 ballots (9.2%) opposed. Since the Board of Governors voted to approve the agreement on June 14, this vote of support in the executive by the ULFA membership means that the Agreement is now ratified.
“This was a difficult negotiation and a tough settlement for our members,” Chief Spokesperson Daniel Paul O’Donnell said. “While we made important gains in job security and conditions of employment, the lack of across the board financial increases will affect our competitiveness as an institution for years to come.”
“We are grateful for this vote of support,” he added. “This demonstration of solidarity can only help us as we prepare almost immediately for the next round of negotiations.”
ULFA President Jon Doan congratulated Association volunteers on the conclusion of the ratification. “I would like to extend another thanks to the thorough and thoughtful members of our bargaining team and our bargaining resource committee,” Doan said. “We will update our communication blog in the next couple of days with information on what this ratification means for Member salary and benefits starting July 1 2019.”
Final copy will be posted to the University website after a technical review.