Author: Abbie

Arbitration Award – Limitation on Appointments of Instructors and Lecturers

This is to advise you of an important arbitration decision in favour of the USFA concerning new appointments of without term Instructors and Lecturers. The limit of 30 new appointments (Article 13.3.4.3) has been exceeded. All future appointments will require JCMA approval. History In May 2023, the USFA filed a grievance against the University of… Continue reading Arbitration Award – Limitation on Appointments of Instructors and Lecturers

Solidarity with AMPL

In the last few weeks, solidarity with striking Association of McGill Professors of Law (AMPL) members has been tangible as various academic bodies altered plans for this year’s Congress, June 12 to 21, 2024, hosted by McGill University. Organized by the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, Congress is the largest academic gathering in… Continue reading Solidarity with AMPL

2024 USFA scholarship applications are now available online

Online applications for the USFA Scholarship will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024. The USFA Scholarship Program is open to students who are immediate family members of USFA members. Immediate family includes spouse/partner, their children and including children for whom USFA members have served as legal guardians. The application form for the… Continue reading 2024 USFA scholarship applications are now available online

Alberta’s Public Priorities Act: Political interference in research

The USFA is watching with concern the Alberta government’s efforts to politicize federal research funding. Bill 18, the Public Priorities Act, would give the Government of Alberta the power to review federal research funds received by university-based researchers to ensure they align with provincial government’s priorities. Not only does this legislation jeopardize millions of dollars… Continue reading Alberta’s Public Priorities Act: Political interference in research

STF Job Action – How you can support STF members

As part of its ongoing efforts to reach a new collective agreement that holds the provincial government accountable for fixing the problems in schools, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has announced it is implementing rotating strikes. The USFA stands in solidarity with STF’s efforts to reach a settlement that includes provisions to address critical issues… Continue reading STF Job Action – How you can support STF members

Campus Safety – Did you know…?

U of S has a campus safety app. The USafe App is available for Android and iPhone, and gives you direct access to Protective Services and other important safety tools and information, including: USask Alerts: Notifies you of USask Alerts in active and urgent situations (you will have enable notifications in the app). Safewalk/Friend Walk: Provides live… Continue reading Campus Safety – Did you know…?

Prescription vaccinations covered by benefit plan

Are you planning on a hot holiday this winter, worried about getting shingles, or susceptible to respiratory viruses? Our benefits provider, Sun Life, covers the cost of some prescribed vaccines that aren’t covered by the Saskatchewan Drug Plan including RSV vaccines, Shingrix, and Twinrix to name a few. To be eligible a doctor must prescribe… Continue reading Prescription vaccinations covered by benefit plan

USFA 2022-23 Member Update: check your campus mailbox

USFA wants to reach more members with information about our efforts and the contributions of members to support the important work you do. As a result, you should have received a member update sent to you by mail at the end of December. The update provides information about USFA committee activities, bargaining, the Joint Workload… Continue reading USFA 2022-23 Member Update: check your campus mailbox

Reminder: Professional fee reimbursement claims due December 1

If, as a condition of employment, you are required to maintain a certification or license in order to perform your academic duties, you may be eligible for reimbursement of some or all of your licensing or certification fees (Article 22.12.2). Eligible fees are those paid between December 1, 2022 and November 30, 2023. The last… Continue reading Reminder: Professional fee reimbursement claims due December 1