Updates

Mount Royal Faculty Association

May 13: Mount Royal Faculty Association bargaining update

From Wednesday, May 21 to Friday, May 23, the Negotiating Committees of Mount Royal’s Board of Governors and the Mount Royal Faculty Association (MRFA) will engage in informal mediation with mediator Deborah Howes. The parties have provided the mediator, and each other, with their written submissions in accordance with Article 21.5 of the Collective Agreement.

Since collective bargaining began on Feb.  27, 2024 significant progress has been made. Seventeen green sheets have already been signed, with a number of other proposals close to agreement. Outstanding issues are narrower in scope and largely centre on various aspects of compensation and workload. We agreed they are best addressed with a mediator’s assistance.

The Board remains hopeful that mediation will help to close the remaining gap and lead to a timely agreement.

The Board’s approach to negotiations continues to be guided by:

  • Required compliance with provincial directives on compensation and legislation for public sector bargaining, that are reflected in post-secondary settlements and trends in Alberta.
  • The financial realities of the university over the coming years.
    The long-term success and interests of the entire Mount Royal community, including students, staff and faculty.
  • The current geopolitical/macroeconomic environment, which creates uncertainty.

These principles underpin the settlement pathway proposed by the Board in February: a pathway that we believe aligns with the Association’s priorities and that, in addition to an overall compensation settlement in line with emerging trends (12% over four years), leaves room for modest, targeted enhancements should they fall within sector norms and remain affordable.

Informal mediation is confidential and does not disrupt day-to-day operations. Entering informal mediation is not a declaration of impasse and it does not indicate that a work stoppage (strike or lockout) is imminent. It is a non-binding, practical step to help the parties find solutions.

We will provide an update once mediation concludes.

 

May 2: Mount Royal Faculty Association bargaining update

As shared in our last update, the Board and the MRFA have jointly agreed to proceed with informal mediation.

Informal mediation is a dispute resolution method in collective bargaining that can advance negotiations when the parties otherwise find themselves unable to come to agreement on items through regular discussions. The parties are scheduled to enter into informal mediation from May 21 to 23. Deborah Howes will serve as mediator.

The Board is aware of the letter-writing campaign the MRFA has embarked upon, where members have been asked to send a form letter to Board Chair Chris Lee and President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Tim Rahilly, PhD. The Board is also aware of the poll where MRFA members voted to reject a 7.5% offer. 

The Board would like to clarify that the information provided by the MRFA does not reflect the discussions at the table on Feb. 24 and March 18, particularly with respect to monetary compensation. 

The Board’s proposed settlement pathway included a level of compensation higher than the 7.5% and was consistent with current settlements in the Alberta post-secondary sector (i.e., 12%). This reflects the desire of the Board to continue bargaining in good faith and reach a settlement and leaves the Board concerned about the content of the letter from the MRFA.

The decision to proceed to mediation does not signal impasse or imminent job action. Mediation is simply a tool to help the parties resolve outstanding items in a timely and constructive manner. University operations, teaching, learning and research continue as usual.

We remain hopeful that mediation will support continued progress toward an agreement. We will share further updates as the process unfolds.

 


Mount Royal Staff Association

 

May 9: Mount Royal Staff Association bargaining update

The Mount Royal University Board of Governors Negotiating Committee and the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA) met on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 to continue collective bargaining after a prolonged pause. 

Prior to heading back to the bargaining table, the MRU Board added Manesha Sidhu to the bargaining committee. Manesha is the Director of Security Services and has an extensive understanding of the staff association collective agreement. 

The meeting was useful to recap the progress that has been made, and to review which articles remain open.

MRU tabled eight articles in response to language that had previously been tabled. The Articles tabled were:

  • Article 6: Association Recognition and Membership
  • Article 7: Time Off for Association Officers and Members 
  • Article 10: Disciplinary Procedure
  • Article 11: Grievance Procedure
  • Article 14: Position Abolishment
  • Article 16: Salary Administration
  • Article 20: Hours of Work
  • Article 26: Manager Initiated Appointments

The Parties are scheduled to bargain again on Thursday, May 29 and Friday, May 30, 2025 and have dates scheduled through June.