University and UTFA Agree to Special Joint Advisory Committee on the Memorandum of Agreement

HR #52, 2011-12
PDAD&C #55, 2011-12

To: PDAD&C

From: Angela Hildyard, Vice-President Human Resources & Equity
Cheryl Misak, Vice-President and Provost

Date: April 18, 2012

University and UTFA Agree to Special Joint Advisory Committee on the Memorandum of Agreement

The University of Toronto and the University of Toronto Faculty Association are pleased to announce that we have reached agreement on a Special Joint Advisory Committee to discuss potential changes to the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) governing the relationship between the University and UTFA and on the establishment of subcommittees to discuss our tenure and promotion policies and appointment policies for Professors of Practice/teaching and professional faculty.

For the 35 years that it has been in place, the MoA, including the process of collective bargaining and arbitration, has served the University of Toronto well. At the same time, the parties have agreed that the terms and scope of the MoA warrant ongoing review and modernization, and that the time has now come for a meaningful collegial discussion, examination and review of the Memorandum.

To that end, the University and UTFA have now agreed to establish a Special Joint Advisory Committee on the MoA. The Special Joint Advisory Committee will review the strengths and weaknesses of the current Memorandum, consider options for reform, and attempt to reach consensus on recommendations for potential changes to the Memorandum. We have also agreed that the Special Joint Advisory Committee will discuss the role of faculty and librarians in academic planning.

The Special Joint Advisory Committee will conduct its work over the course of the 2012-2013 academic year, and the parties have agreed on a third party facilitator who will be available to assist them in their discussions.

Agreement on the Special Joint Advisory Committee process was reached in mediation between the parties, with the assistance of Mr. Kevin Burkett. The Administration and UTFA wish to express their appreciation to Mr. Burkett.