The University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association represents more than 1,000 full-time academic employees at the University of Saskatchewan.
e-Letters are brief but timely communications about workplace issues.
The USFA Executive has voted to endorse the Canadian Federation of Students’ National Day of Action calling for a national, universal, tuition-free system of public, post-secondary education.
Students, workers, community members are uniting to mobilize for a cross-country Day of Action on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016.
Join others in the Bowl from 1:00pm to 3:00pm to rally for free education. There will be music, food and free hot chocolate! Everyone is welcome.
If 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).
Claims for reimbursement must be submitted between November 1 and December 1, 2016.
What you need to know:
Questions? Simply let us know in a reply to this email and someone will contact you.
As a member of the USFA, you are eligible for housing assistance to aid in the purchase of a new principal residence.
The University’s website states that people in term positions must be in the term position for a minimum of three (3) years in length from the date of application to be eligible. However, this information is incorrect: all members are eligible (Article 22.8 of the Collective Agreement).
If you have questions about this benefit, or others, let us know in a reply to this email and someone will contact you.
The University of Manitoba Faculty Association has voted 86% in favour of strike action, and is seeking a one-year deal with an average salary increase of 6.9%. UMFA is demanding a raise that would lift its members from the bottom of the salary scale seen in the U15 group of universities. The union has claimed that the university is sitting on tens of millions of dollars earmarked for capital projects and its strategic plan, which could be used to raise salaries and benefits.
In addition to financial concerns, UMFA is demanding a number of provisions that may sound familiar to U of S members, namely:
The administration, meanwhile, is attempting to cut complement language, eliminate language protecting past practices, eliminate job security provisions for term and contingent faculty, and increase the benefits offered to administrators.
Learn why you might not be reimbursed for the entire cost of a prescription by not using your Sun Life drug card: The Importance of Using Your Direct-Pay Drug Card
Find out how to obtain drug coverage beyond the 34 and 100 day limits normally applied to prescriptions: Obtaining Prescriptions for Extended Leaves
Get some tips on out-of-country medical insurance: Important Travel Benefit Information
2:30 p.m.
Arts 241, Neatby Timlin Theatre
The meeting package has been distributed to members. A limited number of hard copies will be available at the meeting. Members wishing to reserve a copy should confirm their attendance by email to usfa@usaskfaculty.ca.
The agenda will include:
Members are invited to attend a social in the Windows Room at the University Club following the meeting.
Please take note of the following important changes regarding reimbursement of professional fees (Article 22.12.2):
The next claim period is November 1 to December 1, 2016, for fees paid between December 1, 2015, and November 30, 2016. Following receipt of all claims, available financial resources will be allocated as a proportion of the total amount claimed.
A reminder will be sent out at the beginning of November.
If you have questions about Article 22.12.2 or the Collective Agreement in general, simply let us know in a reply to this email and someone will contact you.
The USFA is seeking members interested in being elected to the newly restructured Elections Committee.
Recent changes to the USFA Constitution include a restructured Elections Committee. This Committee is responsible for directing Executive Committee elections. It consists of five regular members of the Association elected annually by the membership. Current Executive Committee members and anyone seeking election to the Executive are ineligible to serve on the Elections Committee.
If you would like to put your name forward as a candidate for this Committee, you may do so in a reply to this email. Candidates will be announced and elected at the Fall General Meeting, 2:30 p.m. October 21, 241 Arts.
The USFA invites all members in the first few years of their appointment at the U of S to join us for lunch at the University Club.
Come to meet colleagues from across campus, find out more about the Collective Agreement and get to know some of the people who negotiate with the employer on your behalf and help to jointly manage the agreement with the employer.
Lunch is on us!
We want to hear from you. These gatherings are small and convivial, and give everyone an opportunity to be a part of the discussion.
We will be there to provide guidance on questions such as:
Negotiations will be a major focus this year for the Association and these lunches will also be an opportunity to meet with members of the USFA negotiating team. Your Chief Negotiator is Professor Allison Muri (Department of English), and she is very interested in hearing your opinions and proposed solutions to the labour relations challenges that we face today.
The Red Room downstairs at the Faculty Club has been reserved from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on September 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23. If you are interested in attending, please contact Tammy Stieb at the USFA office (tammy.stieb@usask.ca or 5609) to let her know which date is best for you.
We thank you in advance for your attendance!
We invite you to a
Free Pancake Breakfast
7:30 a.m. September 8
in The Bowl
Everyone welcome!
Sponsored by:
USFA
ASPA
CUPE 1975
CUPE 3287
PAIRS
PSAC