In July, Arbitrator William Kaplan delivered his interest arbitration award for the Toronto Metropolitan University Faculty Association’s (TFA) 2023-2026 collective agreement.
The monetary elements of the award include Across-The-Board (ATB) increases of 3.5% in year one, 3.0% in year two, and 3.0% in year three, to apply retroactively within sixty days to current and former members; as well as increases to the Career Development Increment and Overload Course stipend. On benefits, members received a new surrogate and fertility services fund, an increase in the long-term disability maximum, and coverage for optional dental implants for retirees, a requirement that the Faculty Association be provided with a schedule of the reasonable and customary limits applying to the benefits described in the Benefit Policy, and a commitment to maintain the retiree health care spending account.
While the TFA’s goal of improving the proposal for securing sector-comparable research and other supports for Professional Counsellors was not reached, the Award provided two additional Professional Development Days, for a total of 10 days.
On faculty workload, a TFA 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.