Updates

Mount Royal Faculty Association

March 21: Mount Royal Faculty Association bargaining update

At the Feb. 24 meeting, the Board outlined a potential pathway to settlement, including resolution of economic issues. The Association reviewed the proposed pathway and package of proposals and returned with a response at the March 18 meeting. This helped clarify that assistance may be necessary to reach agreement on outstanding issues, including economic items.

Therefore, the negotiating teams have jointly determined to proceed with informal mediation in accordance with Article 21.5 of the Collective Agreement. Informal mediation is a tool for dispute resolution where the bargaining teams jointly select a third-party mediator who works with them to try and reach an agreement. Dates are yet to be determined, but the parties aim to have informal mediation take place by the end of April. In the interim, the Board will work to estimate the financial impact of the Association’s most recent response.

Since the parties first met on Feb. 27, 2024, progress has been made on a number of items with 17 green sheets signed, including three today that affirm agreement between the negotiating teams on Indigenization and decolonization.

However, other issues, including monetary matters, remain outstanding. The parties believe that the best path forward for resolving these issues is with the assistance of a mediator. This does not mean that impasse has been reached or that a strike or lock-out is imminent. The Board and MRFA are actively negotiating and making progress. The Board is hopeful that an agreement can be reached with the assistance of the mediator.

During mediation there is no impact on university operations, teaching, learning or research. It does not indicate that job action such as a work stoppage (either strike or lockout) is imminent. Informal mediation is not part of the legislatively required steps before a strike or lockout can take place.

To date, the bargaining teams have held a total of 21 meetings, during which the Board team has consistently emphasized key considerations, including:

  • Required compliance with provincial directives on compensation and legislation for post-secondary bargaining.
  • The financial realities of the university over the coming years.
  • The long-term success and interests of the entire Mount Royal community, including students, staff and faculty.

We will provide an update to the community once the mediation dates have been determined.

We’ve added some questions on the Bargaining FAQ page to answer some common questions about mediation, including:

  • What role does the Government of Alberta play in public-sector post-secondary bargaining?
  • What is the difference between formal and informal mediation?
  • What happens after mediation?
  • What does mediation mean for students?

 


Mount Royal Staff Association

April 17: Mount Royal Staff Association bargaining update

On April 4, 2025, the Board of Governors of Mount Royal University and the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA) reached a settlement agreement on the matters in front of the Alberta Labour Relations Board. This settlement was a result of a joint meeting that was held on March 12, 2025. During this meeting, a path forward was presented that will see continued work on the Exempt Exclusion Review, in line with the established process. It will also allow for both parties to return to the bargaining table.

All unfair labour practice complaints have been withdrawn, as has the MRSA application to modify the Association’s certificate definition.

The negotiating committees of the Board of Governors and the MRSA have confirmed the following dates for bargaining: May 6, 29 and 30; and June 2, 3 and 5. Also, July 7, 8 and 9 are being held in case additional dates are needed.