University faculty ratify agreement
Students at Nipissing University are officially back in class. Both the Board of Governors and the Faculty Association at Nipissing University have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, bringing labour peace to the university.
The Board of Governors voted unanimously to accept the agreement on Friday, November 27, in a special meeting. The Faculty Association completed their voting earlier tonight, ratifying the agreement.
“It is wonderful news for our students and our community that we have a ratified agreement in place with our full-time faculty members,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, president and vice-chancellor. “I’m especially happy for our students. Their academic and personal well-being is our top priority, and we know this has been very difficult for them. We are pleased that students can now concentrate on getting the most out of their Nipissing University experience and we can get back to celebrating our faculty for their teaching and research excellence.”
“As students, we are very happy and relieved that a new four-year deal is in place,” said Ian Hall, president of the Nipissing University Student Union. “We are excited to be back in class with our professors to continue working and learning. We are working with faculty and administration to ensure the needs of students are addressed as we determine how the remainder of the term will be made up. NUSU is also looking forward to organizing a number of events and activities in the coming months to help students make the most of their time at Nipissing, socially and academically.”
The new four-year agreement was reached by the Faculty Association and the University administration on November 26. Under the terms of the agreement, faculty will receive:a five per cent increase to base pay over the four-year term,additional steps added to the salary grid in 2017 and 2018,increases to benefits for retirees,increases to professional expense reimbursements, andenhancements to parental leave. The two parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Special Governance Commission to assess the University’s collegial structures.