GR# 0940 - Sessional Lecturers' Salaries

Collective Agreement referenced: 2014 - 2017

Article(s): Article 3, 6, 11, 55 and S

Nature of Dispute:  It came to WUFA's attention that contrary to Article S, the University has awarded and paid higher than permitted salaries to some Sessional Lecturers hired under Article 55:12 of the Collective Agreement.

Result of Grievance: The grievance was settled outside of arbitration. In the Preliminary Award of November 27, Arbitrator Swan made it clear that amending the Collective Agreement to increase the salaries of SL members whose salaries are in compliance with Article S was beyond the authority of an arbitrator. Further, his ruling states that the outcome of the hearing were it to continue would be to decrease the salaries of the members whose salaries are not in compliance with Article S, and that to do so would amount to constructive dismissal. From the outset, Executive and Council stated on the record that it was not the Grievance Committee’s intention to do harm to those members. The employer refused mediation and offered a resolution that would effectively maintain the status quo, with no room for negotiation. WUFA accepted the employer’s offer.

Grievance initiated: June 17, 2016
Grievance resolved: March 13, 2019

Reference Docs:
(1) GR# 0940
(2) Preliminary Award (from Arbitrator Ken Swan)
(3) Minutes of Settlement