Association of Teaching Professors of the University of Ottawa

Bargaining Themes

Here are the five main bargaining themes, which stem from the priorities set by you, through surveys and town hall discussions. These themes guide the work of the Bargaining Committee and drive demands at the bargaining table, so that the next collective agreement reflects the strength, needs, and values of ATPUO members.

The themes that served to elaborate our bargaining priorities are:

Job Security

For teaching professors, having predictable and fair working conditions, including equitable hiring practices, reasonable contract timelines, and fair access to professional development and research opportunities, allows them to fully focus on teaching rather than worrying about precarious employment.

Quality of Education

High-quality education starts with strong working conditions and guaranteed academic freedom for teaching professors. This allows professors to fully dedicate themselves to teaching and to foster students’ intellectual curiosity as well as critical thinking skills.

Recognition, Inclusion and Collegiality

Building a truly inclusive university community requires both representation and recognition of teaching professors who teach the majority of students. This means making our voices heard in the key decision-making bodies of the University.

It also means valuing the many contributions of all teaching faculty, in research, teaching, and campus life.

Fair Pay

Although teaching professors perform the same teaching work as their tenured or tenure-track counterparts, they face lower wages and benefits, without job security. This financial and professional precariousness marginalizes experts who are essential to the university’s mission.

Fair wages, benefits, and additional compensation for extra work are a matter of recognition, respect, and justice.

One Big Unit

We all do the same work: teaching. So why are we divided when it comes to our salaries and working conditions?

Having one large bargaining unit gives us more power, ensures fairness for everyone, and makes negotiations simpler and more effective. Together, we are stronger.