The United Steelworkers (USW) and the university have two more dates for their ongoing contract negotiations for General Support Staff (Grades 2-9). The parties began conciliation meetings on June 20. In conciliation, the parties are assisted by a provincially-appointed conciliation officer as they work through outstanding issues.

The conciliation officer has convened further meetings on Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4 to continue the negotiation process.

The university administration respects the collective bargaining process and remains committed to working through it to reach a negotiated settlement.

Since November 2011 the university has been in collective bargaining with the USW toward a first collective agreement with the General Support Staff (Grades 2-9). Discussions between the university and USW toward a first agreement have been very positive to date.

Negotiations between the university and the Public Service Alliance of Canada toward a first agreement for post doctoral fellows are in early stages. Negotiations continue with dates set for July 4 and 5.

The university also continues to negotiate with Ontario Public Service Employees Union toward a first contract for the Family Health Team. Good progress has been made to date. Future bargaining dates are set for July 4 and two further dates in late August.

Renewal collective agreements were ratified last year with the Queen’s University Faculty Association and with the three campus locals of the Canadian Union of Public Employees. The university and the Ontario Nurses Association ratified a first contract for the nurses in Queen’s Family Health Team, and the university and PSAC agreed to a first contract for graduate teaching assistants and teaching fellows.