The university and AGSEM invigilators signed their first collective agreement on October 7, 2013. In May, the bargaining unit’s 800 members voted more than 90% in favour of an agreement in principle. The parties had been in arbitration since September 2012, which is not unusual when a union is negotiating its first collective agreement. The arbitrator helped the parties reach agreement on unresolved issues.
Highlights of the agreement include a pay increase comparable to other universities, posting of all assignments, paid 15-minute breaks for each four-hour shift and paid overtime. This is a two-year contract, expiring on April 30, 2015. The union was accredited in April 2010.
The first challenge facing the parties now is to make adjustments to the posting and selection of invigilators for this year’s exam period in view of the new collective agreement.
Signing on behalf of the university and AGSEM invigilators are:
Front (left to right): Suncica Avlijas (AGSEM), Lynne B. Gervais, Associate Vice-Principal, Human Resources, Patrice Racine, union advisor, FNEEQ/CSN and Michael Di Grappa, Vice-Principal, Administration and Finance.
Back (left to right): Ross Stitt and James Burnett representing AGSEM invigilators; Alexandre Coutu, Employee Relations Advisor; Robert Comeau, Director, Labour and Employee Relations; Jocelyne Younan, Associate Registrar (Service Centre), Enrolment Services; Johnny Martuccio, Manager, Student Records Registration & Accounts, School of Continuing Studies; and Corrado De Stefano, legal counsel and member of the bargaining committee.