Understanding collective bargaining with faculty members at McGill

McGill is currently negotiating first collective agreements with several newly unionized faculty bargaining units. Because these are first agreements, the parties are negotiating a broad range of terms and conditions of employment that have not previously been governed by collective agreements.

We recognize that these discussions concern issues that matter deeply to our faculty and administrative colleagues, to our students and their parents, and to our University’s future.
 

Commitment and goals

McGill is committed to negotiating with our new unions in good faith, and to communicating as fully as we can, within the law, to our broader community about the progress of these negotiations.

Collective bargaining with academic staff is not new in Québec's university sector. It is a structured process, governed by Québec’s Labour Code, through which employers and unions negotiate working conditions with a view to reaching collective agreements on employment terms and working conditions. Nonetheless, the University recognizes that collective bargaining can create uncertainty for members of its community, its partners, and the public.
 

The bargaining process

We are therefore aiming to provide clear and factual information about the bargaining process, including key developments, potential impacts, and the steps being taken to ensure the University continues to fulfill its mission. Throughout this process, the University is guided by the following objectives:

• negotiate fair and sustainable collective agreements;
• support faculty and staff who are essential to the University's success;
• protect students' learning experience;
• maintain excellence in teaching, research and service to society;
• ensure the University's long-term sustainability.

The University also recognizes that strike mandates and other labour disruptions can form part of that process. McGill respects the rights of employees and their certified bargaining representatives under Québec’s Labour Code and remains committed to negotiating constructively and in good faith with a view to reaching negotiated collective agreements.

Read more