TUFA Settlement Ratified by Faculty Association Membership and Trent University’s Board of Governors
The Trent University Faculty Association (TUFA) and Trent University have jointly announced that the Board Executive Committee, on behalf of the University’s Board of Governors, ratified a new collective agreement with TUFA this morning. The agreement was previously ratified by TUFA on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 when a majority of faculty voted in favour of the agreement.
TUFA represents 280 full-time faculty, limited-term appointments and professional librarians at Trent University.
“This was a long and complex round of negotiations, but we are extremely pleased to have been able to reach an agreement that achieves mutually important goals that enhance the academic mission of the University within a framework of fiscal prudence," said Susan Wurtele, chief negotiator for TUFA.
Highlights of the three-year collective agreement signed on November 4, 2019 include:
- Agreement to convert the University’s single employer pension plan into a future university sector jointly-sponsored pension plan
- Alignment of teaching intensive positions with other faculty ranks
- Improvements to professional development funds
- A commitment to review University practices and programs to advance equity, diversity and inclusion within faculty ranks
“Securing a consent agreement to join a future sector ‘University Pension Plan’ (UPP) is a major step forward in what is a transformational change for the University,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Moving to a jointly-sponsored pension plan will provide a secure, sustainable pension for faculty and ensure the financial sustainability of Trent University moving forward.”
“Further alignment between teaching intensive positions and other faculty positions at Trent demonstrates the value Trent places on teaching,” said Dr. Jackie Muldoon, provost and vice-president Academic. “Improvement to professional development programs for faculty and a focus on programs and practices that advance equity, diversity and inclusion will strengthen the academy at Trent and reflect the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and research.”
Trent University and TUFA are pleased to have reached a negotiated settlement that will allow the University to continue to deliver on its mission.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.