How we work with the University
The University makes extensive use of committees in decision-making. Since 1975, the University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) has succeeded in securing staff membership on many important University of Waterloo committees, appointing representatives from the UWSA leadership or from our membership.
Our Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the University establishes our joint approach to managing issues and policies impacting staff, namely that the UWSA and UW work together through committees. This approach is based on a principle of continuous improvement of the staff working environment.
How are we different from a union?
The UWSA is not certified as a union with the Labour Board. This means that we do not have the right to strike and do not engage in formal collective bargaining.
Our Memorandum of Agreement and University policies, however, give us many similar rights:
- We are formally recognized as the sole representative of University staff.
- We have equal voting rights on committees determining staff employment policies and compensation.
- We can file grievances and formally support staff in cases of discipline or other workplace challenges.
- Members have a protected right to participate in the activities of the Association.
Much of what would normally be covered in a union's collective agreement is housed in University policies. We have 50% of the seats on the Staff Relations Committee, which oversees and approves all policies that affect staff working conditions.
Memorandum of Agreement
Our Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the university defines our formal relationship with the university that allows us to officially represent staff interests.
The Memorandum of Agreement:
- Defines who our members are.
- Establishes a staff voice in things like salary and policies.
- Gives members the right to get support from the UWSA in discipline cases.
- Protects members’ right to participate in UWSA activities without interference.
- Enshrines the UWSA's right to bring forward grievances on behalf of staff.
Representation on University committees
Much of our work advocating for staff working conditions and compensation is done through the Staff Relations Committee (SRC) and the Provost's Advisory Committee on Staff Compensation (PACSC).
There are also many other university committees that require representatives from the UWSA membership to represent the voice of staff.
Salary discussions
How are staff salary increases set?
Four UWSA representatives participate in salary discussions at the Provost's Advisory Committee on Staff Compensation (PACSC), along with representatives from the University. PACSC makes recommendations for job value adjustments, the salary structure, performance appraisals, and other compensation elements.
PACSC proceedings are confidential so that we can have productive, frank conversations. They're not formal negotiations, but collaborative discussions resulting in recommendations to the Provost.
Compensation recommendations
Employment policies
Staff terms and conditions of employment are covered in University policies. We can help you interpret them.
University policies governing staff terms and conditions of employment are the responsibility of the Staff Relations Committee. We make up half of this committee.
The policy development process
Policy 1 – Initiation and Review of University Policies outlines the procedure for creating and updating policies:
Step 1: Initiation – SRC calls for a new policy or for one to be updated.
Step 2: Development – SRC can draft policy itself, or set the terms of reference for the drafting committee (often jointly with Faculty Relations Committee).
Step 3: Approval – If a majority of both the UWSA and UW appointees support the new version of the policy, SRC recommends it to the University president. The president can approve it, or return the policy to the SRC for more work (or recommend it to the Board of Governors for approval, depending on the nature of the policy).
"FS" class policies, which affect both faculty and staff working conditions, go through this process with both SRC and FRC simultaneously.