Inside UNB
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a collective agreement?
A collective agreement is a written contract between an employer and a union providing the terms and conditions of employment that apply to all members of the particular group of employees represented by the union - this group is known as the bargaining unit.
What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is the process by which the parties to a collective agreement renegotiate the terms of an existing collective agreement or negotiate a new collective agreement when the union has been recently certified.
The Industrial Relations Act of New Brunswick obligates both sides of a collective agreement to meet in a timely manner and to make every reasonable effort to negotiate in good faith with a view to concluding a collective agreement or the renewal or revision thereof.
UNB is committed to meeting its obligations with the goal of obtaining a negotiated settlement at the table.
How does collective bargaining commence?
To start the collective bargaining process, at least one party must give notice. This occurs either under the terms of an existing collective agreement under section 32 of the Industrial Relations Act of New Brunswick or in instances of a recently certified union under section 33.
The parties then set up dates to exchange and negotiate proposals.
Has either party given formal notice to bargain under any of the six collective agreements?
UNB has received formal notice to bargain from two unions representing four bargaining units. UNB is actively engaged in negotiations with the Association of University of New Brunswick Teachers with both the full-time faculty and the part-time instructors and librarians. Negotiations have yet to be scheduled with the Public Service Alliance of Canada which represents the graduate student teaching assistants and the administrative, professional and technical employees.
As negotiations progress, will the university community be updated?
Yes. UNB will provide updates to the university community through this web page as negotiations progress. These updates will be factual and respectful of the negotiations process and our obligations under the Industrial Relations Act.
How will UNB’s communications on this website affect negotiations?
Negotiations are a routine part of the life cycle of a collective agreement and a normal part of university life. The information posted on this website will assist the university community in understanding the process as it unfolds without interfering with the bargaining itself.
If I have more questions about this process or the negotiations where do I go?
All external communications regarding negotiations are being handled by the communications and marketing department. If you have any questions you may contact Greg Carriere, Senior Manager, Communications at (506) 453-4546 or gregoire.carriere@unb.ca.
Internal questions related to labour issues can be directed to UNB’s human resources department at hrandod@unb.ca.
updated April 22, 2013
