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Faculty Bargaining Bulletin: Vol. 9, No. 1

June 5th, 2026

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UWOFA and the Employer had their first bargaining meetings on June 4th and June 5th, 2026. 

Chief Negotiator, Jeff Tennant, began negotiations with an opening statement reflecting the priorities Members have identified for this round:

  • Advance job security for contract faculty
  • Ensure equitable and reasonable workload
  • Achieve fair compensation
  • Improve benefits
  • Install guardrails around use of generative artificial intelligence technologies
  • Place teaching work at the proposed “Western International College” under the terms of the collective agreement 

Jeff’s opening statement situated these priorities in the real conditions Members are living. Contract faculty face job insecurity, colleagues on limited-term contracts have not had their appointments renewed, Members are dealing with growing workload, and salaries continue to trail those of comparator institutions. Also noted was Western’s long track record of budgetary surpluses, making clear that every budget is a choice. 

Articles Opened in proposals presented by UWOFA thus far:

  • Accommodation of Members with Disabilities (New Article)
  • Alternative Workload
  • Appointments
  • Association Rights
  • Entry or Return of Academic Administrators to the Bargaining Unit
  • Implications of Technology
  • Information
  • Privacy
  • Reduced Workload
  • Working Conditions
  • Workload
  • Letter of Understanding Western International College
  • Letter of Understanding Joint Working Group to Study Member Equity Concerns
  • Appendix C, Arbitrators

Articles Opened in proposals presented by the Employer thus far:

  • Performance Evaluation
  • Promotion, Tenure and Continuing Status
  • Retirement and Resignation
  • Sabbatical Leave
  • Workload

These first sessions mark the beginning of what we hope to be a productive round. Our proposals reflect what Members have been telling UWOFA, and we will continue to bring that voice to the table. The next bargaining dates are June 22, 2026 and June 25, 2026. We will present the rest of our proposals on those two days.

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