Simon Fraser University Administrative & Professional Staff Association

The Simon Fraser University Administrative and Professional Staff Association was incorporated under the BC Society Act in 1980 to provide representation for the group of employees at SFU whose employment was not covered by a collective agreement. Little change has been made to either the Constitution or the Bylaws since that time. An amendment to the bylaws in 1993 established a quorum of 30 members for the Annual General Meeting and in 2006, two additional Area Directors were added to the Executive Committee to accommodate the growth in membership due, in large part, to the addition of the Vancouver campus (1989) and the Surrey campus (2006).

1983 – Basic Agreement For Collective Bargaining and Consultation Signed

The Basic Agreement for Collective Bargaining and Consultation between Simon Fraser University and the Simon Fraser University Administrative and Professional Staff Association established APSA as the sole representative for all members of the Association group. The Agreement established, for the administrative and professional staff employed by the University, formal procedures for the determination of compensation matters and administrative/professional personnel policies.

1993 – Amendment to Basic Agreement

An amendment to the Basic Agreement resulted in the inclusion of binding arbitration in the event of an impasse during negotiations for compensation matters. This amendment maintained the intent of the original Agreement that APSA be entitled to the same rights and privileges to arbitration as are granted to the Faculty Association. The change from non-binding to binding arbitration for the Faculty Association was agreed to by the University’s Board of Governors early in 1993.

1997/98 – Appendix G

The difference between a representative group such as APSA, which falls under contract law, and a certified union operating under the Labour Code became evident in the late 90’s. As a result of the 1997/98 contract negotiations with CUPE Local 3338, the University agreed to review 22 APSA positions that CUPE had claimed rightfully belonged within its jurisdiction. The University and CUPE came to agreement on 11 of the positions and umpire John Kinzie ultimately awarded 6 of the remaining disputed positions to CUPE .

2000 - PEA Certification Drive

In response to the raid, the APSA Executive filed a grievance and attempted to proceed to arbitration but was denied standing at the Labour Relations Board. After a number of membership meetings, and meetings with the University of Victoria Professional Employees Association (PEA), a certified union representing the non-academic professional employees (among others), a certification drive was undertaken in 2000.  The drive failed, and to present day, CUPE continues to challenge numerous APSA positions. APSA continues to be denied standing at the proceedings and the University continues to defend the positions as APSA positions.

Early 2000 – AD 9 Policies Amended

Although not covered by a collective agreement, APSA members do have formal terms and conditions of employment embodied originally in the AD 9 Policies, which were amended and compiled as the AD 10 Policies. The AD 10 Policies set out the responsibilities, rights, and terms and conditions of employment for Administrative and Professional Staff and apply only to this group. Changes to these policies fall under the purview of the Joint University/Association Committee (JUAC) and the development of new policies must be done in consultation with Association. The AD 10 Policies also provide access to problem resolution processes, including grievances and arbitration. Members are encouraged to contact APSA, and may be assigned an advocate from the Advocacy Committee, when dealing with employment matters that are covered by the Policies.