👈Click here for most frequently asked questions. If you have further questions regarding the vote please contact an Executive Committee Member via emails provided below
The vote for Phase One AAU Modernization and Growth Strategy is open from Tuesday, October 6 at 10:00 a.m. until Thursday, October 8 at 10:00 a.m.
At its core, we are asking members one question:
Do you support moving forward with Phase One of the plan to strengthen and growth the capabilities of the AAU?
We know some members may wonder why the proposal is being presented as one vote rather than three separate questions. The reason is simple: the pieces of Phase One depend on one another.
We cannot responsibly hire additional professional staff or join CAUT without the funding to support those commitments. At the same time, we would not ask members to change the dues structure without being clear about how those additional resources will be used. We also need to address a governance structure that has evolved over time. Our bylaws were originally adapted from the NSTU and have been adjusted as new situations arose, leaving us with provisions that can contradict one another, unclear lines of responsibility, and processes that create circular decision-making and unnecessary micromanagement. Before undertaking a significant modernization of those bylaws, we believe members should first support the overall direction.
In other words, this is one plan, not three unrelated proposals.
The proposed 1.2% dues structure is intended to provide the resources needed to join CAUT and add professional labour-relations capacity. The Executive is recommending 1.2% as the minimum level that allows us to do both. CAUT would also provide access to shared resources, training, legal support and its Defence Fund.
We have attached an FAQ that addresses many of the questions we have received, including why we are recommending CAUT membership, why the dues structure needs to change, and how the proposed rate compares with other academic unions.
The question on your ballot will be:
I support the requested changes to:
1) increase AAU dues to 1.2% of earnings to allow the AAU to add professional personnel, join CAUT, and address increased operating costs; and
2) move forward with reviewing and recommending changes to the AAU bylaws to strengthen our governance structure, clarify roles and responsibilities, remove contradictions and unnecessary processes, and improve the efficiency of AAU operations.
Yes
No
A Yes vote gives us the mandate to move forward with Phase One. A No vote tells us members do not support moving forward with the plan as proposed.
Whatever your position, please vote. This is an important decision about what kind of union we want the AAU to be and how we want it to operate in the years ahead.
Thank you for taking the time to review the information and make an informed decision.
The AAU Executive Team
AAU President – Neil Cody
AAU VP Faculty – Kurt Lanigan
AAU VP PS – Seana Blanchard
AAU VP Member Engagement – Todd Verge
AAU VP Administration – Heather Martin