SFU and APSA begin renegotiation of the Basic Agreement

As shared in the fall, SFU and the Administrative and Professional Association (APSA) are beginning the process of renegotiating the Basic Agreement. The parties are meeting from January 15 – 19, 2024 to exchange proposals and negotiate. 

Updates on the renegotiation process will be posted on the bargaining website and shared in the What’s On newsletter.  

What is the Basic Agreement? 

This negotiation is not part of the negotiation process that occurred in 2023 under the Province's Shared Recovery mandate. 

APSA is an association incorporated under the BC Society Act in 1980 to provide representation for administrative employees at SFU whose employment was not covered by a collective agreement and who are not otherwise excluded from APSA due to the nature of their work (APEX). The Basic Agreement is a constitutional and contractual document that governs the relationship between APSA and the university.

The purpose of the Basic Agreement is to outline formal procedures for matters such as compensation and personnel policies, to ensure harmonious relations and adherence to conditions of employment between APSA members and the university.

Why is the Basic Agreement being renegotiated?

In January 2023, APSA gave the university notice that they intend to renegotiate the basic agreement. The Basic Agreement was last amended in 1993 and is automatically renewed annually unless six months in advance of the expiry date either party has given the other written notice of its intention to renegotiate. Given the negotiations under the mandate last year, the parties mutually agreed to extend the current agreement to June 2024 and negotiations are now beginning.