Posted on June 23: MUSA, University ratify collective agreement

McMaster University and the McMaster University Staff Association (MUSA) have each ratified the terms of their collective agreement. The tentative settlement was reached on June 13, 2003.

MUSA represents almost 1,800 staff working in a wide range of administrative, technical and clerical positions at McMaster.

Mina Dizdarevic, president of MUSA, was pleased with the result. “The MUSA membership has taken ownership of their collective agreement. Major gains have been made regarding job evaluation, posting, and job security. A substantial increase in wages has also been negotiated, moving the vast majority of our 'over max' members onto the grid by the end of this new three-year agreement.”

“This is the result of much hard work by many people in the McMaster community,” said McMaster President Peter George. “This agreement recognizes the important contribution that MUSA members make to McMaster's success. I also see it as a positive new chapter in the relationship between the University and the Association.”

The new collective agreement has a term of three years, expiring on June 15, 2006. It provides for wage increases of:

3.25 per cent effective from June 16, 2003

2.75 per cent on June 16, 2004

and 2.4 per cent on June 16, 2005

A two per cent value is attached to the implementation of a new job evaluation system, effective June 16, 2005.

Employees who are above the maximum of their range will receive the value of these increases in lump sums. Those employees below their maximum receive step progression increases annually.

Other monetary highlights include improvements to the medical, dental and leave provisions in the first year, and a second personal leave day starting in the 2005 calendar year.

The new collective agreement is the second for the University and MUSA. Building on their experience during the term of the first contract, the parties have agreed to extensive modifications. These changes include improvements to the processes for appointments and promotions, hours of work and job security. Revisions also bolster the provisions for career growth and educational development.

The settlement culminates three months of intensive negotiations. The bargaining teams were particularly pleased that they were able to come to agreement prior to the expiry of the old collective agreement and without requiring assistance from an external third party.

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McMaster University and the McMaster University Staff Association (MUSA) have each ratified the terms of their collective agreement. The tentative settlement was reached on June 13, 2003.<p><br />
<br />
MUSA represents almost 1,800 staff working in a wide range of administrative, technical and clerical positions at McMaster.<p><br />
<br />
Mina Dizdarevic, president of MUSA, was pleased with the result. "The MUSA membership has taken ownership of their collective agreement.  Major gains have been made regarding job evaluation, posting, and job security.  A substantial increase in wages has also been negotiated, moving the vast majority of our &#039;over max&#039; members onto the grid by the end of this new three-year agreement."<p><br />
<br />
"This is the result of much hard work by many people in the McMaster community," said McMaster President Peter George. "This agreement recognizes the important contribution that MUSA members make to McMaster&#039;s success.  I also see it as a positive new chapter in the relationship between the University and the Association."<p><br />
<br />
The new collective agreement has a term of three years, expiring on June 15, 2006. It provides for wage increases of:<p><br />
<ul><li>3.25 per cent effective from June 16, 2003</li><br />
<li>2.75 per cent on June 16, 2004</li><br />
<li>and 2.4 per cent on June 16, 2005</li></ul><br />
A two per cent value is attached to the implementation of a new job evaluation system, effective June 16, 2005.<p><br />
<br />
Employees who are above the maximum of their range will receive the value of these increases in lump sums. Those employees below their maximum receive step progression increases annually.<p><br />
<br />
Other monetary highlights include improvements to the medical, dental and leave provisions in the first year, and a second personal leave day starting in the 2005 calendar year. <p> <br />
<br />
The new collective agreement is the second for the University and MUSA.  Building on their experience during the term of the first contract, the parties have agreed to extensive modifications.  These changes include improvements to the processes for appointments and promotions, hours of work and job security. Revisions also bolster the provisions for career growth and educational development.<p><br />
<br />
The settlement culminates three months of intensive negotiations. The bargaining teams were particularly pleased that they were able to come to agreement prior to the expiry of the old collective agreement and without requiring assistance from an external third party. <p>

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