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Brandon University Faculty Association ******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*****OCTOBER 30, 2008 BUFA Ratifies New Contract The membership of the Brandon University Faculty Association (BUFA) has voted to ratify a new contract with their employer, the Board of Governors of Brandon University (BOG). The results of the ratification vote were released at BUFA's Annual General Membership Meeting held late this afternoon. 95 percent of the 200 ballots cast by BUFA members favoured ratification. In addition, there were 3 spoiled ballots. The new Collective Agreement, which is effective from April 1, 2008 to March, 31, 2011, was concluded after a 17-day strike by BUFA members. Under the terms of the Agreement, BUFA members will receive annual salary increases of 3%, plus the normal service increment, on a salary grid whose floors and ceilings are increased by an increment in year 1. In addition, two major pension plan improvements, funded by the Employer, will be phased in by the second year of the contract. In commenting on these components of the Agreement, BUFA Chief Negotiator Joe Dolecki said, "While we would characterize the overall salary settlement as modest, we did achieve an important advance with the inclusion the two improvements to our pension plan." He noted that, "Last week, the Employer announced that it will be seeking to extend these improvements, fought for by BUFA, to all other employees on campus. This clearly demonstrates that these changes were badly needed, long overdue, and affordable." "It is unfortunate that the Employer took so long to come to this realization," Dolecki added. "In any case, the affordability of this settlement implies that the Employer will have no justification, apart from fiscal imprudence on the part of Senior Administration, to increase student tuition over the life of the contract." The major non-salary item, the contentious harassment issue, was resolved with the inclusion of language that ensures the protection of the academic freedom of BUFA members in the application of any Employer workplace policy having disciplinary provisions. In addition, the Employer agreed to submit what has come to be known as its controversial "Happy Workplace Policy" to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission for review. On this issue, Dolecki stated, "We are particularly pleased that we were able to negotiate language that protects BUFA members from potential Employer harassment in the application of workplace policies. We believe that this issue, which posed a real threat to the academic freedom of BUFA members, has been put to rest." BUFA represents approximately 240 full-time equivalent employees at Brandon University -- including Professors, Sessional Instructors, Librarians, Instructional Associates, Professional Associates, and Administrative Associates. -30- For further information Contact: -- 30 -- For Further Information Contact: |
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