Bargaining Update: Proposals Exchanged

Yesterday was our first bargaining session with UBC. After starting the meeting with introductions and protocol discussions, both parties had the opportunity to exchange proposals.

AAPS’s Proposals

We were able to share the bargaining priorities you identified, such as:

  • Raising the general wage increases to better reflect the rate of inflation,
  • Entrenching work flexibility to continue to improve work/life balance,
  • Improving the terms of leaves of absences, particularly time off to observe religious, cultural, and spiritual events,
  • Making the employee classification process fairer and easier to understand, and
  • Ensuring that the language for sick leave protects those with chronic illnesses.

While it is early in the process, we are pleased to learn that UBC is open to having discussions aimed at addressing these issues.

We know how important these priorities are to you and we will work hard to represent your interests. For more information on the priorities identified in the AAPS proposal, please visit the November 2022 bargaining update published on our website.

UBC’s Proposal

In addition to presenting your priorities, we also had the chance to view UBC’s proposal. However, at this time, we are unable to share specifics of what UBC has submitted.  Yesterday’s session was intended to provide each party an opportunity to walk the other through their proposal. More substantive discussions are needed to provide context and rationale for each item. Once we have those discussions, we will share more information as able. 

Next Bargaining Update

After our next bargaining session with UBC in early March, we will send you another update with new information. 

We are committed to ensuring that we reach an agreement that provides the improvements and protections that you deserve. We are hopeful that UBC will recognize all the hard work you’ve put in while inflation continues to erode your salary.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we continue to work on negotiating a new collective agreement. Please remember that your current Collective Agreement will stay in place until you, the members, have ratified a new one. 

If you have additional questions about bargaining, please contact AAPS Executive Director, Joey Hansen, at joey.hansen@ubc.ca.