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TSSU
TSSU bargaining update: arbitration clarification and next steps
This fall, Â鶹ÊÓƵand the TSSU resumed collective bargaining negotiations following the September 15th arbitration decision from Arbitrator Jim Dorsey.
Recently, the arbitrator also confirmed SFU’s definition that some graduate students are in an employment relationship, and some are in an educational relationship. This clarification allowed Â鶹ÊÓƵto move forward with a survey that will provide data to help expedite next steps. This work is a priority for SFU, and we are hopeful that a final agreement can be reached with the TSSU early in the new year.
Recent activities
In November, Â鶹ÊÓƵengaged arbitrator Jim Dorsey to clarify points which Â鶹ÊÓƵand the TSSU interpret differently: how the September 15th decision defines employment, versus scholarship, with respect to research.
The arbitrator is a neutral third party who confirmed SFU’s interpretation: some graduate students who receive compensation from grants as scholarship and/or stipend are in an employment relationship, and some are in an educational relationship.
Following the arbitration clarification, Â鶹ÊÓƵsent a survey to Principal Investigators to determine if the graduate students supporting their projects are in an employment relationship or in an educational relationship.
Next steps
The survey results will help Â鶹ÊÓƵclassify which graduate students should be classified as research assistants and therefore, employees of Â鶹ÊÓƵto be included in the TSSU collective agreement. The survey is now closed and the SFU’s Research Personnel Initiative team is expected to provide aggregated data to Â鶹ÊÓƵand TSSU on an ongoing basis.
We recognize this process has taken longer than anticipated and appreciate your patience. Negotiating a first collective agreement for an employee group is complex, but we remain committed to reaching a fair agreement with the TSSU as quickly as possible.
Visit the Â鶹ÊÓƵCollective Bargaining hub to stay up to date on bargaining negotiations related to the TSSU: /dashboard/faculty-staff/bargaining-2022/updates/tssu.html