OCT 7, EDMONTON — University of Alberta staff and faculty unions will hold a joint rally on Wednesday, October 9 in support of their bargaining teams, who are in negotiations with the university for improved working conditions and compensation for their respective members.
Members of the Association of Academic Staff University of Alberta (AASUA) and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA) will rally from noon to 1:00 pm on 87 Ave & 112 Street (in front of the Timms Centre for the Arts).
AASUA is negotiating for fair workloads, job security and benefits for precarious staff, and competitive compensation. NASA’s bargaining team is focused on fair compensation to account for cost-of-living increases, greater parity between employee types, and improved job security.
“Over the past five years, U of A staff and students have been disrespected by an administration that has lost sight of our university’s core mission — high-quality teaching and research,” Gordon Swaters, AASUA President, said. “Together with NASA we will rally to support our bargaining teams as they defend the U of A’s world-class education.”
“At a time when cuts and restructuring mean support staff are being asked to do more than ever, years of stagnant wages and soaring inflation have seen the real salaries of the people who make our university work fall by more than 20% over the past decade,” adds NASA President Quinn Benders. “It’s time for Alberta’s flagship institution to step up with a fair offer to ensure that no full-time staff needs to stop in at the Campus Food Bank after their shift is over to make ends meet.”
Media Contacts:
Rachel Narvey, AASUA Communications Officer:
Scott Harris, NASA Communications Officer
About AASUA: The AASUA represents approximately 4,000 members across five campuses in two cities. Our membership includes academic faculty, teaching staff, librarians, administrative professionals, and researchers.
About NASA: The Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA) is the union representing the more than 6,000 support staff at the University of Alberta who make the university work.