Dear Members
On May 10, 2020, the AASUA as directed by its Executive, filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Alberta Labour Relations Board (“ALRB”) regarding the Employer’s actions that resulted in changing the designation of four APO members and one TLAPS member as MAPS employees who are not in the bargaining unit. Names are being withheld for privacy reasons.
The Employer is required by legislation under the Post-Secondary Learning Act to consult with the Union regarding any change in the designation of any of our members. The AASUA alleges that they failed to do so.
Further, the AASUA alleges that the Employer altered the terms and conditions of these members after bargaining commenced, which is in violation of the statutory freeze provisions in the Labour Relations Code.
The AASUA’s complaint application also requests the ALRB, pursuant to section 58.6(1) of the Labour Relations Code, to decide if those employees are academic staff members.
The U of A is required by the ALRB to send out a Notice (which can be read HERE) to all “affected employees” which specifically sets out the following:
• The Employer substantially altered the terms and conditions of bargaining unit members during the statutory freeze period;
• The Employer’s de-designation of several bargaining unit positions has interfered with the Union’s administration as well as the representation of its members;
• The Employer avoided consultation and scrutiny regarding changes to a previously in-scope position, thus interfering with the Union’s administration as well as the representation of its members; and
• The Employer’s refusal to provide the Union with the affected member’s appointment letter interferes with the Union’s administration as well as the representation of its members.
The AASUA will report the findings of the ALRB at the conclusion of this process.
If you require any assistance, please EMAIL AN LRO.
Thank you,
Brygeda Renke
Executive Director & General Counsel