CUASA Negotiations: Update #2

On Feb. 21 and 22, 2012, the two bargaining teams representing CUASA and Carleton’s administration met for facilitated discussions with the help of mediator Julie MacFarlane, in advance of formal negotiations.

We began our discussions with the issue of workload and how this matter has been of concern to CUASA members for several rounds of negotiations. We had a fruitful discussion, which touched upon the need for informed conversations based on solid data and possible solutions that have been considered both at Carleton and at other institutions.

We discussed many ways that the working experience of CUASA members – faculty, librarians and instructors – could be improved and we committed to exploring these in bargaining. We also had a conversation about tenure and promotion at Carleton and how it could be improved so that it is fair and equitable, clear, and collegial.

We acknowledged that there are many areas in which the two parties can work together to make changes to the collective agreement between CUASA and the employer so that it is more reflective of the need for improvements in workload, tenure and promotion.

We have agreed to continue these discussions for another two days before moving on to regular bargaining.

Dr. Sonya Lipsett-Rivera
Department of History
on behalf of the CUASA bargaining team

Dr. Jerry Tomberlin
Dean Sprott School of Business
on behalf of the  Management bargaining team