Letter of Understanding re: Staff Benefits

The University and the Association agree that the representatives on the Staff Benefits Committee appointed by the Board of Governors and the representatives appointed by the Association shall recommend to the Staff Benefits Committee to make recommendations on improvements in the Supplementary Health Plan (group health plan) and the Dental Plan, including but not limited to broadening the drug formulary and raising the cap on orthodontics.

This letter of understanding shall be attached to and form part of the collective agreement and shall remain in force for the duration of the collective agreement.

The University and the Association agree to make their best efforts to establish a scholarship fund for dependents of UMFA Members. It is understood that this fund is not necessarily restricted to dependents of UMFA Members.

The parties shall meet before November 30, 1998, to begin this process and endeavour to begin implementation by July 1, 1999.

This letter of understanding shall be attached to and form part of the collective agreement and shall remain in force for the duration of the collective agreement.

The University and UMFA agree that:

1. This letter of understanding shall be attached to and form part of the collective agreement and shall remain in force for the duration of the collective agreement and the period in which s. 10(4) of the Labour Relations Act applies.

2. A joint committee shall be established to make recommendations with regard to the possible use of possible performance indicators at the University of Manitoba. This committee shall be composed of two representatives appointed by the University and two representatives appointed by UMFA. A non-voting chairperson shall be chosen by, but not from, the committee members appointed by the University and UMFA. This committee shall complete its work and make recommendations to the University and UMFA by October 31, 1999.

3. The issue of Performance Indicators shall be considered a matter for collective bargaining between the parties for the Collective Agreement which commences April 1, 2001.

4. There shall be no discontinuance of academic appointments pursuant to Article 28.9 or lay-off(s) of academic librarians or instructors for academic reasons under Articles 17 or 34.

5. The terms of this letter of understanding are a term and condition of employment.

The University and UMFA agree that:

1 A joint committee shall be established to study and make recommendations concerning retirement options, retirement incentives and renewal at the University of Manitoba.

2 During its deliberations, the committee shall be guided by the following principles:

That the interests of the University, its employees and students, and the broader community will be served through innovative measures to foster renewal within the University;

That University renewal be pursued in a planned and coherent fashion;

That University renewal be financially prudent and long-term in its outlook.

3 Human resources are an essential component of the University and as such are integral to all aspects of its functions. To this end, provided that the University budget continues at or above its current levels, human resources will be sustained with comparable positions at or above the current numbers.

4 The committee cited in paragraph 1 shall be composed of two (2) representatives appointed by the University and two (2) representatives appointed by UMFA. A non-voting chairperson shall be appointed by, but not from, the four (4) committee members.

5 The committee shall report to the University and UMFA by December 31, 1999, or as soon thereafter as may be possible. By mutual agreement between the University and UMFA, the committee may continue its deliberations after the report.

6 The report of the committee shall be made public.

This letter of understanding shall be attached to and form part of the collective agreement and shall remain in force for the duration of the collective agreement.

Questions or Comments? Contact Josie Lubega at (204) 474-8288