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TSSU
SFU and TSSU Agreement for Research Assistants
Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU) have reached a Memorandum of Settlement (MOS) to integrate Research Assistants (RAs) into the existing TSSU collective agreement.
This agreement, which covers the period from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2025, marks a significant milestone in recognizing RAs as an employee group within the university.
This development follows an extensive negotiation process that began in August 2024, stemming from the 2019 Voluntary Recognition Agreement (VRA) between SFU and TSSU. The agreement ensures fair wages and benefits for RAs, whose work falls under the provincial labour code.
This agreement does not currently extend to graduate students funded via scholarship from faculty member grants. SFU and TSSU are awaiting a Labour Board decision, which is expected in mid-April, to determine if these graduate students will be considered employees and included under this agreement.
Next Steps
Faculty Engagement: SFU will meet with Deans, Directors, and Managers of Administration to discuss implementation considerations and provide training.
PI Communications: Specific guidance will be issued to Principal Investigators (PIs) and faculty members regarding grant budget obligations to ensure compliance with the new wage and benefits structure.
Resource Distribution: Detailed documentation, including the full collective agreement, will be posted once available.
SFU is committed to supporting a smooth transition for faculty, research teams, and Research Assistants as this agreement is implemented. For further inquiries, faculty members and PIs are encouraged to reach out to SFU Labour Relations Research Personnel team at rp_info@sfu.ca.