Collective Bargaining Updates
Select an employee group from the tab above to read the latest bargaining updates from our Lakehead University Bargaining Team as they pertain to collective bargaining negotiations between the University and its unions.
November 7, 2023 — Update on University Negotiations with COPE |
We are very pleased to announce that Lakehead University and the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE) have agreed to a tentative collective bargaining agreement. This tentative agreement will now be brought forward to both parties for ratification. Throughout these negotiations, the University's focus has been to reach the best possible collective agreement for Lakehead students, employees, and the broader campus community. The University thanks both bargaining teams who have been working towards this new agreement since May.
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October 5, 2023 — Update on University Negotiations with COPE |
On September 26, 2023, the bargaining committees for the University and the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 96 participated in conciliation. Despite efforts to reach an agreement, COPE chose to cancel the second day of conciliation scheduled for September 27, 2023. COPE also recently completed a strike vote, a normal step to ascertain membership support should it want to strike. The University has yet to approve an operating budget for 2023-2024 and continues to operate with a projected operating deficit of $5.2 million and remains in a period of budget constraint. The University remains committed to achieving mutually acceptable collective agreements, and has offered both unions monetary packages that are consistent with what other unions have negotiated and non-union groups on campus have received.
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September 27, 2023 — Update on University Negotiations with COPE |
On May 15, 17 & 23, 2023, the bargaining committees for the University and the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 96 (COPE) met to begin discussions to establish a new collective agreement. Despite efforts to reach an agreement, on May 24, 2023 COPE filed for conciliation and shared that its members had completed a strike vote. Conciliation is scheduled for September 26 & 27, 2023. The University has yet to approve an operating budget for 2023-2024 and continues to operate with a projected operating deficit and in a period of budget constraint. The University remains committed to achieving mutually acceptable collective agreements, comparable to other union and non-union groups on campus, that supports a return to financial sustainability.
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December 16, 2020 — Update on University's Negotiations with COPE |
On December 15, 2020, Lakehead University and the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE) Local 96 ratified their collective agreement renewal. The new collective agreement has a 3-year term with an expiry of June 30, 2023.
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December 1, 2020 — Update on University's Negotiations with COPE |
Lakehead University and the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE), Local 96, have begun collective bargaining with the goal of achieving a negotiated renewal of our collective bargaining agreement. We are looking forward to providing updates as discussions continue. Lakehead University's Bargaining Team (of the employer)
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Select an employee group from the tab above to read the latest bargaining updates from our Lakehead University Bargaining Team as they pertain to collective bargaining negotiations between the University and its unions.
February 29, 2024 — Update on University Negotiations with CUPE |
Over the course of five meetings since December 2023, the bargaining committees for Lakehead University and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3905 met to begin discussions to establish a new collective agreement.
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May 2021 — Update on University's Negotiations with CUPE |
In May 2021, Lakehead University and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3905 ratified its collective agreement renewal.
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Select an employee group from the tab above to read the latest bargaining updates from our Lakehead University Bargaining Team as they pertain to collective bargaining negotiations between the University and its unions.
Select an employee group from the tab above to read the latest bargaining updates from our Lakehead University Bargaining Team as they pertain to collective bargaining negotiations between the University and its unions.
November 3, 2023 — Update on University Bargaining with LUFA |
We are pleased to announce that Lakehead University's Board of Governors and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) have each ratified the new Collective Agreement between Lakehead University and LUFA. Terms of the new LUFA Collective Agreement are for the period of September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2026. The University thanks the bargaining teams of both parties who have been working towards this new Agreement over the last couple of months. |
October 5, 2023 — Update on University Negotiations with LUFA |
The bargaining committees for the University and LUFA have agreed to continue discussions on October 24 & 25, 2023, with assistance of a mediator to establish a new collective agreement. Ahead of the mediation dates, LUFA also filed for conciliation — a process where a facilitator is appointed by the Ministry of Labour. Conciliation is currently scheduled for October 18, 2023. LUFA recently completed a strike vote, a normal step to ascertain membership support should it want to strike. The University has yet to approve an operating budget for 2023-2024 and continues to operate with a projected operating deficit of $5.2 million and remains in a period of budget constraint. The University remains committed to achieving mutually acceptable collective agreements, and has offered both unions monetary packages that are consistent with what other unions have negotiated and non-union groups on campus have received. |
September 27, 2023 — Update on University Negotiations with LUFA |
On August 11, and September 9 & 10, the bargaining committees for the University and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) met to continue talks with the assistance of a mediator to establish a new collective agreement. The University and the Association have agreed to continue mediated discussions on October 24th and 25th, 2023. In addition, LUFA in support of its request for substantial monetary increases has filed for conciliation and has conducted a strike vote. Conciliation dates have not yet been scheduled. The University has yet to approve an operating budget for 2023-2024 and continues to operate with a projected operating deficit and in a period of budget constraint. The University remains committed to achieving mutually acceptable collective agreements, comparable to other union and non-union groups on campus, that supports a return to financial sustainability.
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July 4, 2023 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
On June 28, 2023, the bargaining committees for the University and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) met to continue efforts to establish a new collective agreement. At the June 28 meeting, LUFA decided to postpone discussions with the University until August 11 when the services of mediator Eli Gedalof will commence. Mediator Gedalof has assisted in the last two rounds of bargaining between the University and LUFA. Since the bargaining committees’ last meeting, the University has continued to review the comprehensive proposals submitted by LUFA, including substantial monetary proposals. The University has also submitted monetary proposals to LUFA that are consistent with other bargaining units at Lakehead University. The University has yet to approve an operating budget for 2023-2024 and continues to operate in a period of budget constraint. The University is committed to working with LUFA and the mediator to achieve a mutually beneficial collective agreement.
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April 24, 2023 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
2023 will be a busy bargaining year with Lakehead University as we negotiate with five of our University’s unions. On May 1, Lakehead University and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) — the union representing our University’s faculty members — will commence bargaining with the goal of achieving a negotiated renewal of our collective bargaining agreement. We are optimistic that we can achieve a negotiated collective agreement that builds on our history of shared commitment to students and respectful relations while addressing ongoing and austere budgetary needs resulting from continued enrolment challenges, tuition freezes, no inflationary funding from the Province, and the continued impacts associated with the pandemic. The University is committed to working with LUFA to achieve a negotiated collective agreement that reflects the important role of faculty and librarians and that is reflective of the current fiscal circumstances on our campuses.
Michael Kennedy, Chief Negotiator
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July 25, 2022 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
We are pleased to announce that Lakehead University's Board of Governors and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) have each ratified the new Collective Agreement between Lakehead University and LUFA. Terms of the new LUFA Collective Agreement are for the period of September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023. The University thanks the bargaining teams of both parties who have been working towards this new Agreement over the last couple of months.
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June 24, 2022 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
On June 21, 2022, the bargaining committees for the University and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) met to continue efforts to establish a new collective agreement. Since the bargaining committees’ last meeting on June 6, the University has reviewed the pension proposal submitted by LUFA at that time. At the June 21 meeting, the University tabled a comprehensive monetary proposal, including its pension response. The bargaining committees have agreed to engage the services of mediator Eli Gedalof for the next series of bargaining days (July 12, 13, and 14). Mediator Gedalof assisted in the last round of bargaining between the University and LUFA. The University is committed to working with LUFA and the mediator to achieve a mutually beneficial collective agreement.
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June 6, 2022 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
On May 31 and June 1, 2022, the University and the Lakehead University Faculty Association opened discussions related to a negotiated renewal of our collective bargaining agreement. Both groups tabled initial proposals for discussion. The University is pleased with the progress made with agreement achieved on many items related to current collective bargaining agreement language. Among the initial proposals, LUFA tabled its pension proposal. Pension is a complex topic that affects all of our University's employees, and time will be necessary to complete the due diligence required for its consideration. In the meantime, two townhalls were hosted this week to inform Lakehead University employees on pension options. The May 31 townhall welcomed a presentation from University Pension Plan representatives, and the June 1 townhall featured a presentation from CAAT Pension Plan representatives. The University remains committed to working with LUFA to achieve a negotiated collective agreement that reflects the important role of faculty and librarians and that is reflective of the current fiscal and pandemic circumstances on our campuses.
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May 20, 2022 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
This year will be a busy bargaining year with Lakehead University set to meet and negotiate with five of our University’s unions. This month, Lakehead University and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) — the union representing our University’s faculty members — will commence bargaining with the goal of achieving a negotiated renewal of our collective bargaining agreement. We are optimistic that we can achieve a negotiated collective agreement that builds on our history of shared commitment to students and respectful relations while addressing the challenges brought on by continued enrolment challenges, tuition freezes, no inflationary funding from the Province, and the continued impacts associated with the ongoing pandemic. Bargaining is proceeding under the parameters of the Province’s Bill 124. Pensions are expected to occupy a large portion of upcoming meetings. We have been very engaged in discussions about the current pension plan — a complex matter that may impact all of Lakehead’s employee groups. The University has been actively working with our actuary, Eckler, as well as with the Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) Pension Plan and the University Pension Plan (UPP) of Ontario to fully understand all options available to employees. Lakehead’s Board of Governors has been actively reviewing all considerations associated with all options for Lakehead employees. The University is committed to working with LUFA to achieve a negotiated collective agreement that reflects the important role of faculty and librarians and that is reflective of the current fiscal circumstances on our campuses. Lakehead University's Bargaining Team (of the employer) Michael Kennedy, Chief Negotiator
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March 5, 2021 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
We are pleased to announce that on Wednesday, March 3, Lakehead University's Board of Governors ratified the Collective Agreement between Lakehead University and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) after LUFA members had recently voted in support of the agreement.
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January 21, 2021 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
In late December, the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) presented its list of outstanding proposals to the mediator, Eli Gedalof. LUFA continues to work with the mediator to prioritize its proposals.
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December 16, 2020 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
On December 15, 2020, the bargaining committees for both the University and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) met to continue their ongoing efforts to reach an agreement on a new collective agreement. Working with the mediator, Eli Gedalof, the parties moved forward on a number of important issues, including pension and the University’s move to withdraw layoff language. In addition, the parties signed off on a number of previously-agreed-to non-monetary issues. Discussions are ongoing and the University is confident that, working with the mediator, a collective agreement can be reached.
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November 30, 2020 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
Bargaining committees for both the University and LUFA, the union representing our faculty and librarians have been in collective bargaining since the summer aimed at reaching a negotiated collective agreement. This round of bargaining occurs under a global pandemic and Bill 124, (Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019), which only allows for a 1% increase to total compensation for each of the three years of the moderation period. In order to assist in achieving an agreement, the parties agreed to retain an independent third-party mediator who has been working closely with both bargaining committees. The University has responded to the Association’s identified priorities, and tabled its own series of counter-proposals to all other proposals put forward by LUFA. Among the items reviewed and clarified by the bargaining committees are: - the University’s fiscal situation,
To clarify some specific components of the University's fiscal situation: - The University’s audited financial statements indicate $30 million in cash, which are based on timing of grant and tuition revenue deposits and are used exclusively for cash payments such as processing current payroll for all employees.
The bargaining committees have agreed on a number of items; however, a few key issues remain outstanding. Pension has been the most significant issue discussed between the bargaining committees. This issue is both complex and challenging as any move to a different pension plan would require consideration and ratification from all other bargaining units and employees on campus, and therefore this is not solely a faculty issue. The University retained Eckler, an actuarial leader in Canada, to conduct a review of the current pension plan, including benefit adequacy and a feasibility analysis on other pension options. We expect to share those findings with the Lakehead community in the coming weeks. In the meantime, as has always been done, the University will continue to make pension contributions in accordance with all of our collective bargaining agreements, including $11 million in special payments over the last 10 years that were made in light of the growing pension concern and solvency deficiency. The University remains committed to working with LUFA to achieve a negotiated collective agreement that reflects the important role of faculty and librarians and that is reflective of the current fiscal and pandemic circumstances on our campuses.
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November 18, 2020 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
On November 11, the University’s and LUFA’s respective bargaining teams met virtually with the assistance of mutually-appointed mediator, Eli Gedalof. This was the second meeting Mr. Gedalof has attended. Pension challenges formed a large portion of the meeting’s discussion, as was the case at the last meeting on September 28. Pension matters are multi-faceted as they affect a majority of Lakehead employees, and not just members of LUFA. In addition, any changes to pension must be compliant with Bill 124 which is legislation passed by the Ontario government that limits increases in total compensation (including pension) to 1% in each of the three years of the moderation period. On November 4, LUFA tabled its pension proposal that was reviewed by the University. At the November 11 meeting, the University tabled its response to LUFA’s proposal. Earlier this year, Lakehead retained the services of Eckler (Canada’s largest independent actuarial consulting firm) to review the University’s current pension plans and provide recommendations for going forward. The University looks forward to continuing to explore all options presented in the final Eckler report. Detailed costings, risks, and considerations of all options are required before employee groups, pension committees, and the Board of Governors could consider taking steps to alter pension entitlements. Lakehead remains committed to working with LUFA and the mediator to resolve these important issues and achieve a negotiated collective agreement.
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November 2, 2020 — Update on University's Negotiations with LUFA |
This month, Lakehead University and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA), the union representing our faculty, continued collective bargaining with a mutually-agreed-upon mediator with the goal of achieving a negotiated renewal of our collective bargaining agreement. We are optimistic that we can achieve a negotiated collective agreement that reflects the value that our faculty bring to the learner experience and the University while reflecting the challenges brought on by COVID-19. Bargaining is proceeding under the parameters of the Province’s Bill 124 which limits total compensation increases to 1% for public service members. We are also engaged in discussions about the current pension plan — a complex matter that may impact all of Lakehead’s employee groups. The University is committed to working with the Lakehead community and pension experts to determine the potential outcomes of the proposed changes. Lakehead University's Bargaining Team (of the employer) Michael Kennedy, Chief Negotiator
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Select an employee group from the tab above to read the latest bargaining updates from our Lakehead University Bargaining Team as they pertain to collective bargaining negotiations between the University and its unions.
Select an employee group from the tab above to read the latest bargaining updates from our Lakehead University Bargaining Team as they pertain to collective bargaining negotiations between the University and its unions.
Select an employee group from the tab above to read the latest bargaining updates from our Lakehead University Bargaining Team as they pertain to collective bargaining negotiations between the University and its unions.