SAIT is committed to supporting the development of its employees and cultivating a culture of excellence throughout the school.
A collective bargaining process that is respectful, collaborative and equitable is critical to advancing SAIT’s strategic priorities and ensuring a sustainable future for the institution.
SAIT negotiates the terms and conditions of employment, including compensation, with two union groups:
- Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE)
- SAIT Academic Faculty Association (SAFA)
Latest updates
SAFA bargaining update | Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Proposals exchanged. SAFA and SAIT exchanged bargaining proposals.
AUPE bargaining update | Thursday, March 4, 2021
AUPE and SAIT bargaining groups met to review bargaining proposals at a high level. Highlighting articles, on both sides, with desired changes.
AUPE bargaining update | Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Proposals exchanged. AUPE and SAIT exchanged bargaining proposals.
SAFA bargaining update | Wednesday, March 31, 2021Proposals exchanged. SAFA and SAIT exchanged bargaining proposals. |
AUPE bargaining update | Thursday, March 4, 2021AUPE and SAIT bargaining groups met to review bargaining proposals at a high level. Highlighting articles, on both sides, with desired changes. |
AUPE bargaining update | Tuesday, March 2, 2021Proposals exchanged. AUPE and SAIT exchanged bargaining proposals. |
Meeting schedule
- SAFA | Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Post-secondary collective bargaining in Alberta
SAIT and other post-secondary institutions in Alberta are public sector employers.
The labour relations and collective bargaining of Alberta’s post-secondary institutions fall under the Labour Relations Code, the Public Service Employee Relations Act and the Post-secondary Learning Act.
The Provincial Bargaining Coordination Office is the central agency that coordinates collective bargaining with the broader public sector employers.
The Alberta Labour Relations Board is an independent tribunal responsible for administering the Labour Relations Code and applying the legislation governing collective bargaining.
Collective bargaining process
Collective bargaining is a process of determining the terms and conditions of employment through direct negotiations between a union and an employer.
A typical collective bargaining process includes the following:
- A notice to commence collective bargaining initiates collective bargaining and can be issued by SAIT or the union.
- Negotiations start with the exchange of opening proposals from both SAIT and the union. This may include proposed additions, changes or deletions relating to the current collective agreement.
- Bargaining teams representing SAIT and the union meet for a scheduled series of negotiations. Both parties bargain in good faith to make every reasonable effort to enter into a renewal collective agreement. At any time during collective bargaining, either or both parties may request assistance from a mediator. If an agreement cannot be achieved through negotiations and an impasse is reached, there are a number of methods for resolving disputes in collective bargaining.
- When the bargaining teams have reached a settlement on a tentative renewal collective agreement, the agreement must then be ratified.
Frequently asked questions
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Most of SAIT’s employees are represented by one of the two unions listed below. The union negotiates the terms and conditions applicable to the employment of its members through collective bargaining negotiations with SAIT. Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) SAIT Academic Faculty Association (SAFA) |
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Collective bargaining is a process of determining the terms and conditions of employment through direct negotiations between a union and an employer. |
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When one or both bargaining parties decide no further progress is possible through negotiation discussions, an impasse is reached. There are a number of methods for resolving disputes in collective bargaining. Ultimately, an impasse can lead to a work stoppage, following several mandated steps as set out in the Alberta Labour Relations Code, the legislation that governs collective bargaining and strikes/lockout processes. |
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When the bargaining parties are unable to negotiate a collective agreement, the union may choose to strike. A strike includes a cessation of work, refusal to work or refusal to continue to work by two or more employees for the purpose of compelling the employer to agree to terms or conditions of employment. In advance of a strike, a vote of employees in the bargaining unit must take place and the majority of votes must be in favour of the strike. Employees are unpaid for the duration of the strike. |
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When the bargaining parties are unable to negotiate a collective agreement, the employer may choose to lockout the employees. A lockout includes the closing of a place of employment by an employer, the suspension of work by an employer or a refusal by an employer to continue to employ employees for the purpose of compelling employees to agree to terms of conditions of employment. Employees are unpaid for the duration of any lockout. |
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The Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) is an independent and impartial tribunal responsible for the day-to-day application and interpretation of Alberta's labour laws. The role of the ALRB is to interpret and apply the legislation governing collective bargaining including:
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Provincial legislation describes essential services as those that if interrupted would endanger the life, personal safety or health of the public, or that are necessary to maintain and administer the rule of law and public security. The parties to an essential services agreement may also agree to a broader definition or to particular positions deemed essential. |
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Most unions have the right to strike and most employers have the right to lock out. Prior to those events occurring, employers and unions generally must go through a number of required steps as set out in the Alberta Labour Relations Code, the legislation that governs collective bargaining, and strike/lockout processes. One of those steps is to negotiate an Essential Services Agreement (ESA). At any time during collective bargaining, either party may give the other written notice of the desire to identify or negotiate essential services that would continue to be performed in the event of a work stoppage. Their agreements must identify:
Any ESA must be approved by the ALRB. |
Contact
SAIT remains committed to providing information on collective bargaining. If you have questions or comments they can be sent to bargaining@sait.ca.