Since sending out our third Bargaining Bulletin, we have received questions regarding the commitment card and strike mandate votes. We hope the FAQ below will further clarify the call to support our negotiation team.
Why sign a commitment card?
Collective bargaining does not happen at the bargaining table alone. The Negotiation Team’s ability to secure progress also depends on the mobilization and participation of the members it represents. The Negotiation Team requires your continued support to strengthen our position and advance the following key priorities at the bargaining table:
- Strengthening collegial governance by ensuring APUO members’ meaningful participation in university decision-making, greater transparency and accountability from the Central Administration;
- Addressing workload and the minimum number of full-time professors and librarians (staffing complement), that is, securing a significant number of new APUO positions to improve our fast-deteriorating students to APUO member ratio;
- Guaranteeing a space for childcare on campus; and
- Establishing safeguards to ensure that the adoption and use of artificial intelligence respects members’ rights and academic freedom while supporting sound educational practice.
A commitment card gives each member an opportunity to take a concrete action in support of the Negotiation Team. When a majority of members take action, it demonstrates our unity and strengthens the Negotiation Team’s ability to achieve gains at the bargaining table.
By filling out the commitment card, you will be invited to indicate your readiness to participate in various bargaining-related actions, such as: attending a rally or town hall, joining the union’s organizing network, becoming a Picket Captain if work action is required, and/or voting in favour of providing your Executive Committee with a strike mandate.
PLEASE NOTE: filling out a commitment card DOES NOT equate to voting on a strike mandate. It is simply an indication of your current position on voting in favour of a strike mandate should a vote be called, as well as on other bargaining-related actions.
Learn more about the commitment card here and add your voice to those of your colleagues by completing a commitment card here.
What is a strike mandate vote?
A strike mandate vote (different from filling out the commitment card) asks members to grant the Executive Committee the authority to initiate a strike if deemed necessary. The Executive Committee can only call a strike if the majority of voting members approve it. When members vote in favour, it is called a strike mandate. Once this mandate is given, the Executive Committee does not need to seek further authorization to act on it.
All members of the APUO bargaining unit—those covered by the terms of the APUO’s collective agreement—are eligible to participate in the strike mandate vote. At present, no strike mandate vote has been called.
Does a strike mandate vote necessarily or automatically lead to a strike?
No. A strong majority “yes” vote does not automatically result in a strike. A strike will only occur if the Executive Committee determines it to be necessary. In fact, a strong strike mandate—with high voter turnout and a high percentage in favour—is often the most effective way to achieve gains and secure a strong Collective Agreement. It signals to the Employer that APUO Members are united in advancing key issues and encourages them to engage constructively at the bargaining table to reach a fair agreement.
With a strike mandate, the Negotiation Team is better positioned to secure a favourable agreement at the bargaining table before the Executive Committee considers whether strike action is necessary.
Thus, during the previous round of bargaining, APUO members voted 81% in favour of a strike mandate in November 2024. The Negotiation Team was able to leverage this mandate at the table during subsequent sessions, leading to a tentative agreement in January 2025 and members’ ratification of said agreement in February 2025.
Why are my choices on the commitment card “yes” and “not yet”?
The commitment card is meant to create a snapshot of members’ willingness to act within our current bargaining context. The situation at the bargaining table is constantly evolving and we recognize that members’ readiness regarding certain actions may change as negotiations proceed. The option of “not yet” implies that while your answer may be “no” in the current bargaining context, your stance may change depending on future developments at the table.