In July this year, Arbitrator Kaplan delivered his interest arbitration award for the Toronto Metropolitan Association Faculty Association’s (TFA) 2023-2026 collective agreement.
The monetary elements of the award include across-the-board increases of 3.5% in year one, and 3.0% in years two and three, to apply retroactively within sixty days to active and former members. There were also increases to the career development increment and overload course stipend. In benefits, members received a new surrogate and fertility services fund for a lifetime maximum of $20,000, and a $1,000 increase in the Long-Term Disability maximum, taking it to $15,000.
In response to TFA’s goal of improving research and other supports for Professional Counsellors, the award provided two additional professional development days, for a total of 10 days.
On faculty workload, TFA’s proposal of a Task Force on Student Accommodations and Academic Considerations was awarded. The Task Force will study and propose appropriate action to address the increase in faculty workload related to student accommodation obligations.