Category: USFA e-Letter

e-Letters are brief but timely communications about workplace issues.

UMFA ratifies tentative agreement

Yesterday, after 35 days on strike, University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) members voted to accept a tentative agreement reached with U of M administration.  The agreement prioritizes recruitment and retention of professors, instructors, and librarians at the University of Manitoba, and will improve working conditions for UMFA members, and learning conditions for students. UMFA members stood… Continue reading UMFA ratifies tentative agreement

Concur continues to cause concern

Our recent issue of Collectively Speaking garnered a lot of responses from members, especially about how poorly Concur and Direct Travel serve the university. Most responses echoed issues laid out in Collectively Speaking. None of the feedback described positive experiences. A sentiment in the responses was that faculty were “scolded” in response to efforts at getting airfare… Continue reading Concur continues to cause concern

USFA supports UMFA

Faculty at the University of Manitoba are into week three of their strike. Information on the union’s website states: “The University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) has reached an impasse with the University’s administration after mediation failed to produce an agreement that prioritized faculty recruitment and retention.” UMFA presented a final offer, which was not accepted by… Continue reading USFA supports UMFA

Important Notice: Claims now being accepted for reimbursement of professional fees

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). Claims for reimbursement must be submitted between November 1 and December 1, 2021. Claims submitted late will not… Continue reading Important Notice: Claims now being accepted for reimbursement of professional fees

Travel Expense Reimbursements and Professional Expense Allowance (APEF)

Travel Expense Reimbursements Recently, there have been multiple communications from university administration stating that airfare for approved travel will not be reimbursed unless booked through Concur or Direct Travel, “USask’s preferred travel provider.” In addition to this statement being inconsistent with the University’s Travel Policy and information contained in the U of S Service Catalogue regarding procurement and travel… Continue reading Travel Expense Reimbursements and Professional Expense Allowance (APEF)

USFA Office remains closed, USFA Election Committee, Federal Election

USFA Office remains closed As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our office on campus remains closed until further notice. Association staff continue to work remotely and may be contacted by phone or email. Phone calls to the USFA office will be forwarded and our staff will continue to answer emails as usual. USFA… Continue reading USFA Office remains closed, USFA Election Committee, Federal Election

Request for more reviewers

The USFA is organizing a review process that matches tenure and promotion candidates with experienced faculty members willing to read case files and provide an “outsider’s perspective”. Thank you to those who have volunteered to review case files so far. We currently have 12 more candidates signed up than reviewers. If you are interested in… Continue reading Request for more reviewers

Update: APEF Grievance

The USFA filed a grievance concerning reimbursement eligibility on a number of APEF claims since last spring. The Employer has since adjusted its position, eliminating the need for furthering some aspects of the grievance. However, still outstanding are issues related to reimbursement denials for cell phones and internet services.  For many during the pandemic, cell… Continue reading Update: APEF Grievance