We are seeking BUFA members for the 2025-2026 Negotiating Team. Although requiring a considerable investment of time over the 2025-2026 academic year, being part of the Negotiating Team is a unique opportunity to become immersed in important issues facing faculty and professional librarians, engage in complex and collaborative problem-solving, and make a significant contribution to our members and the larger University community. The Negotiating Team will have an excellent support team, comprising the BUFA Executive, experienced collective bargaining consultants from CAUT and OCUFA, members of the CAUT and OCUFA Collective Bargaining Committees, and former BUFA Chief Negotiators, as well as benefits and legal consultants.
BUFA invites applications from the Library, all Faculties, and all ranks. Members of equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply (and can self-identify accordingly). The application form, once completed, should be sent to the BUFA Office. BUFA will begin considering applications on December 02, 2024, and continue accepting applications until the Team is complete.
Please note there is course release associated with the roles of team members. The 2024-2025 BUFA Executive has approved 2 full-course equivalents for the Chief Negotiator, 1.5 full-course equivalents for the Deputy Chief Negotiator, and a 1 full-course equivalent for other Team members.
All team members will be expected to attend Negotiating Team training (to be scheduled in the spring or fall of 2025). The Chief Negotiator also will be asked to be available for the CAUT Chief Negotiator’s Forum.
Although BUFA will strive to have bargaining conclude prior to the end of the current Collective Agreement (June 30, 2026), Team members must be prepared to see the negotiations through to the end should they be extended for any reason. It is expected that BUFA’s Negotiating Team will begin preparations in the fall of 2025 and at-the-table negotiations will likely begin around March or April of 2026. Members planning on taking an academic leave in 2025-2026 should not apply.
After the Executive has recommended a proposed composition of the Negotiating Team, this recommendation will be put forward for approval by the members, according to BUFA By-Law 5.4. We expect this recommendation will be presented at our General Membership Meeting on February 24, 2025.
Brock University Faculty Association
1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, MC D402
St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1
[email protected]
