Below are the names and descriptions of the various joint and YUFA committees which currently have vacancies. For each committee, the number of vacancies is indicated along with any course release associated with service.
Unless otherwise indicated, all terms of service are for two (2) years, beginning on June 1, 2022 and ending May 31, 2024. Appointments to committees are approved by the Executive Committee and ratified by Stewards’ Council.
If you wish to be considered for any of the positions available, kindly submit a written statement describing your reasons for wanting to serve, any relevant experience and any education or training. The deadline to submit your written statement is Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 3:00 pm. Statements should be submitted to [email protected].
Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement and Subcommittee on Long Range Planning (1 vacancy)
The Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement (JCOAA) (Article 7) shall function in an advisory capacity to the Association and/or the Employer with the general aim of ensuring that the Collective Agreement is administered in a spirit of co-operation and mutual respect. The Joint Committee is chaired jointly by a representative of the Association and a representative of the Employer, who are responsible for preparing and distributing agenda for meetings, and alternate in presiding over meetings. The Joint Committee meets at least once monthly, or more or less frequently as the parties may agree, or, on five (5) days’ notice, at the call of either of the chairpersons.
The YUFA JCOAA member at-large also sits on the Joint Subcommittee on Long Range Planning which is maintained through JCOAA for joint consideration of factors bearing on the future well-being of the University and members of the YUFA bargaining unit, including:
• long-range salary policy and its relationship to complement policy and university finances;
• enrolment trends and their implications for faculty complement and university finances;
• plans that relate to the implications of secondary school reform; and
• implications of academic planning for the job security, professional and collegial lives of YUFA members.
The LRP Subcommittee meets at least once a month during the Fall and Winter semesters and submits an annual summary report of its activities to the JCOAA by 31 March of each year.
YUFA is seeking to fill one vacancy for a member at-large to serve on both JCOAA and LRP.
Joint Financial Information Subcommittee (3 vacancies)
The Joint Committee shall establish a Financial Information Subcommittee to serve as the channel for the passing of data and analyses of the financial operations of the University between the parties. The Subcommittee shall meet at least once every six (6) weeks during the Autumn/Winter session and shall submit a summary report of its activities to the JCOAA once annually, between 1 February and 31 March. The Association shall receive all financial information given to Senate APPC and its subcommittees.
Joint Benefits Subcommittee (3 vacancies)
The YUFA Benefits Subcommittee is responsible to review and oversee members’ benefits as detailed in the Collective Agreement and the YUFA members’ benefit plan and to serve as the YUFA caucus of the Joint Benefits Subcommittee in article 7.06 of the collective agreement.
The subcommittee shall participate in overseeing the Association’s policies and practices relating to members’ benefits and shall also participate as the YUFA caucus of the Subcommittee. Apart from being responsible for regular communications and consultations about benefits issues with the employer, the Subcommittee shall review and recommend to the YUFA Executive any appropriate changes or issues associated with members’ benefit plans. The Subcommittee will meet at least once every three (3) months with the Employer and more frequently as a caucus if circumstances require or to prepare for meetings with the Employer. The co-chair of the Subcommittee will be responsible for reporting to the YUFA Executive at least once each term or more often as required.
Joint Health and Safety Committees (3 vacancies – 0.25 FCE course release per year)
YUFA is seeking (3) members to populate Joint Health and Safety Committees in the following precincts: 1) Education; 2) Kaneff Tower; and 3) York Lanes. JHSCs are now precinct-based rather than union-based which means that YUFA has representatives on 12 different multi-union JHSCs across campus. Candidates may only apply for a location in which they work (normally where their office or lab is housed). If your office is not located in the precinct to which you’re applying, please advise how you are connected to the specific area represented by the JHSC. JHSC certification training will be offered for appointed members.
Equity Subcommittee (2 vacancies)
The Equity Subcommittee exists to assist the Equity Officers to facilitate, advance, and advocate for the reduction and removal of inequities at York University, with regard to issues such as hiring, tenure and promotion, salaries, and retirement. These include inequities on the basis of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, ethnicity, religion, political belief, language, culture, ancestry, place of origin (birth place), colour, citizenship, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual preference, marital status, family status, number of dependents, or belief or membership in associations, and other forms of discrimination. Specifically the Equity Subcommittee’s responsibilities shall include assisting the Equity Officers in: drafting contract proposals on equity issues; analysing the current Collective Agreement for biases and anomalies; ensuring more diverse representation in YUFA and on joint committees; facilitating, in consultation with the Grievance Subcommittee, the resolution of grievances that deal with equity issues at both the individual and policy levels; ensuring that equity issues are addressed within YUFA; working to educate YUFA members and others at York on equity issues; fostering discussion and understanding within YUFA and at York on equity questions and how they may be addressed. The Equity Officers shall report to the Executive Committee the Subcommittee’s progress on these responsibilities.
In constituting the Equity Subcommittee, the goal is to ensure breadth of representation and expertise. The subcommittee consists of the 2 YUFA Equity Officers; the chairs of the recognized caucuses (Disability; Race Equity; Queer; Indigenous) and 3 members appointed by the Executive Committee, preferably one of whom is from Glendon (By-Law #3a). Nominees are asked to provide a brief statement to the Executive prior to appointment concerning their expertise and background in equity issues and particular interest in serving.
York University Retiree Benefit Trust (2 vacancies)
YUFA is seeking a nomination to fill two vacancies on the York University Retired Faculty and Librarian Benefit Trust Fund. Trustees are responsible for administering the Fund for the purpose of providing such Benefits, as may be appropriate in accordance with the Benefit Plan adopted from time to time by the Trustees and approved by YUFA after consultation with ARFL.
Joint Subcommittee on Employment Equity and Inclusivity (1 vacancies)
The JSCEEI discusses issues with respect to the requirements of the Federal Contractors Program and the University’s Policies and Programs relating to Employment Equity and Inclusivity. The Subcommittee also oversee any University-wide equity and inclusivity audits of full-time faculty and librarians/archivists as agreed upon by the Parties and may make recommendations to address any identified concerns on the basis of the outcome of any such audits. The Subcommittee shall meet at least once every six (6) weeks during the Fall/Winter session and shall submit a summary report of its activities to the JCOAA once annually by June 30th.
Communications Committee (5 vacancies)
The YUFA Communications Committee ensures timely, relevant, and two-way communication with members. There are important matters on the agenda for developing the work of this new standing committee for the coming year. Service on the Communications Committee service counts as service to the University.