My InfoSupport Staff University of Ottawa

Article 5 : union rights

Specific Agreement

5.1 Union representatives are the only persons authorized to deal with the University on behalf of the Bargaining Unit or the Union and to negotiate and enter into arrangements with respect to any exemption or amendment to the provisions of the Agreement with respect to a member or a group of members. That said, the University administration and members of the Bargaining Unit may communicate freely regarding such exemptions and amendments, both orally and in writing, without such communication being binding on the Bargaining Unit and the Union.

5.2 Notices, official correspondence and communications between the parties are made between the President of the Bargaining Unit or his delegate, on behalf of the Bargaining Unit, and the Director, Labour Relations or the Employer's liaison officer, on behalf of the University.

5.3 The University acts through the Human Resources Service, Staff Relations sector, with regard to any problems relating to labour relations, discussions or negotiations and agreements with the Bargaining Unit or the Union.

5.4 The University consults the Bargaining Unit on any rules or policies aimed at employees as soon as possible before their implementation.

5.5 The Employer posts on its Website monthly an up-to-date list of:

  • hirings;
  • promotions;
  • transfers;
  • temporary assignments.

Meeting Room

5.6 The Bargaining Unit have access to the University's classrooms and conference rooms, subject to the same rules governing use, booking and costs as apply to internal University groups, in accordance with the rules of the Conventions and Reservations sector. Meetings that the Bargaining Unit holds with its members shall take place outside work hours.

Mail, Electronic Mail and Miscellaneous Services

5.7 The Bargaining Unit may distribute union documents such as notifications and notices of meetings through internal mail. Such communications shall be addressed to Bargaining Unit employees personally.

5.8 The Bargaining Unit may use the electronic mail address issued by the University to its staff, (i.e. @uottawa.ca) to communicate with its members, but without creating a LISTSERV or similar discussion forum. To that end, the University provides the Bargaining Unit with a list of OSSTF members with their email addresses. The list is updated when union dues are remitted.

5.9 In all cases, the Bargaining Unit shall adhere to University policy on the content of documents as prescribed and with respect and politeness between the parties.

5.10 Subject to recovery of operating costs, the Bargaining Unit may use certain University services, namely internal mail and photocopying of documents, at the regular rate in effect for internal users. It is agreed that priority will be given to work carried out to meet the University's obligations with regard to the University's student-related or administrative operations.

Union Office Space

5.11 The University makes available to the Bargaining Unit an office space situated at 559 Avenue King Edward, rooms 201, 203, 204, 207, 209, 211, 212, 212A, 204A, 205, 205A, 208A, 214A and 214B. The rental conditions shall be set out in the lease signed by the parties. Any expenses relating to the use of telephones, long-distance calls, computers, Internet access, photocopying, faxes and other such costs are the responsibility of the Bargaining Unit.