The YUFA Communications Committee is excited to circulate this first edition of a monthly newsletter. Future newsletters will be sent on the first day of each month. The newsletter highlights activities that YUFA is working on to represent our members’ interests and to strengthen the union.

In this issue:

1. How and when to contact YUFA
2. Improvements to YUFA paramedical benefits
3. Understanding how YUFA supports its members: The role of Stewards and Stewards’ Council
4. Links to YUFA messages sent to members in July 2022
5. Upcoming events/meetings
a. August 25, 2022, YUFA Executive Committee Meeting

How and when to contact YUFA?

Members are encouraged to contact YUFA at any time. There is one centralized email and one centralized phone number: 416-736-5236.
Your query will be referred to the best person who can help you, whether a staff member of YUFA, a member of the Executive Committee or member of the YUFA committees. All inquiries and responses are treated confidentially.

In addition to contacting YUFA, members are also invited to reach out to the Stewartd in their Unit. A list of Stewartds is found here. There is also a list of Frequently-Asked-Questions.

Improvements to YUFA paramedical benefits
In negotiating a new collective agreement this past Spring, YUFA members have access to improved paramedical benefits. The previous annual limit of $1,000 for many paramedical specialists has increased to $2,000, with an overall combined maximum of $3,000 per person per benefit year for many paramedical specialists. Please see details on page 23 of YUFA Group Benefits Booklet.

Understanding how YUFA supports its members: The role of Stewards and Stewards’ Council

The Stewards' Council provides a forum for discussion of issues of concern to YUFA members and can direct the Executive Committee to take action.
The Council:
• ratifies appointments, subcommittees, and Bylaw amendments;
• approves Primary Negotiating Positions before their ratification by the membership;
• reviews the Executive Committee's work plans;
• and recommends Constitutional amendments to the membership.
The Stewards' Council includes members of the Executive Committee, all elected Stewards, and one Representative from each Recognized Caucus. Where vacancies exists in a department, members will need to elect a steward.
Stewards' Council meetings are generally held the first Friday of every month during the Fall and Winter semesters and are open to all YUFA members. Stay tuned for the 2022-2023 Stewards’ Council meeting schedule.
Confirmed Stewards’ Council Meeting dates for 2022-2023 are listed below. More details to be circulated over YUFA-M:

 September 16
 October 7
 November 4
 December 2
 January 20
 February 3
 March 3
 April 14
 May 5

Links to YUFA messages sent to members in July 2022
July 15, Employer delays prevent YUFA members from accessing research funds
July 18, New $100K fund for Indigenous and racialized YUFA members unevenly advertised

Upcoming events/meetings
August 25, 2022, YUFA Executive Committee Meeting

If you are on a YUFA committee or caucus and wish to have your upcoming meeting or event advertised in the YUFA newsletter, please email the Communications Officer, Thomas Klassen at [email protected] by the 25th of the month.

YUFA is the professional association and certified bargaining agent for approximately 1,500 faculty, librarians and archivists, and post-doctoral visitors at York University.