Graduate Students’ Association, UCalgary ratify new collective agreement

The University of Calgary and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) are pleased to announce a new collective agreement has been ratified, with 93 per cent of graduate assistants voting in favour of ratification. The new agreement runs until Dec. 31, 2028.

The new collective agreement incorporates numerous improvements to the terms and conditions of employment for graduate assistants, including increases to compensation over the next four years, enhanced leave and holiday provisions, a new hourly classification for graduate assistants (teaching), and enhanced rights for graduate assistants in various proceedings.

“The renewed collective agreement reflects the importance of graduate assistants to the university and its students,” said Dr. Tara Beattie, vice-provost and dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies.  “We are grateful to the GSA’s bargaining committee for their hard work and dedication to the collective bargaining process.”

"This agreement creates stability for academically employed graduate students at a time of great uncertainty," said Kaylee MacLean, lead negotiator for graduate students. "And it protects important advances for graduate labour. We greatly appreciate the instrumental feedback and support provided to the bargaining team by members: this agreement, which is the most comprehensive collective agreement in GSA history, would not have been possible without you."

Over the coming months the university and GSA will work together to implement the terms of the agreement and enhance the graduate student experience at UCalgary.