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July 28, 2010
The Brandon University Faculty Association (BUFA) announced late this afternoon that a settlement has been reached with the Employer, the Brandon University Board of Governors (BOG), ending a 20 month old dispute over the funding of two pension improvements negotiated during a 17-day strike in 2008. An Arbitration hearing on this matter, scheduled to begin on August 9, has been cancelled. In commenting on this development, BUFA President Joe Dolecki stated, " We are, of course, pleased that this matter, which has been outstanding for nearly two years, has been resolved without proceeding with the arbitration." "Arbitrations are both time and resource consuming for all Parties," he added. The question before the arbitrator was whether, according to the terms of the 2008-2011 Collective Agreement as negotiated, the University was required to solely fund the cost of the two pension improvements (BUFA's position), or whether it was permitted to use a negotiated 0.5% increase in BUFA member pension plan contributions towards funding these improvements (BOG's position). The parties have agreed that the 0.5% increase in member contributions under article F.7.4(e) of the Collective Agreement is to be used to fund the cost of pension benefits and obligations generally, and not the specific cost of the two plan improvements in article F.7.4(c) and (d) of the Collective Agreement. These two improvements are to be financed as set out in articles F.7.4(c) and (d) of the Collective Agreement. "BUFA is confident that the good faith manifested in this resolution will be reflected in, and can be carried forward into, the future," Dolecki said. The current Collective Agreement expires on March 31, 2011. BUFA represents approximately 240 full-time, part time and Sessional employees at Brandon University - including, Professors, Librarians, Instructional Associates, Professional Associates and Administrative Associates. -30- For further information contact:
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