Members are being asked to submit their curriculum vitae using a new Microsoft form which includes a number of ancillary questions.   While we are expected to submit updated CVs to our Deans annually by May 1, and PTR salary increments may be withheld from colleagues who fail to do so (see Article 22.07 of our Collective Agreement), the use of this new CV form – a change in practice -- is entirely optional.  There was a discussion about this at Stewards Council on December 5.  Colleagues find disconcerting the early date of this request (March 6), the extra survey data being gathered, and the fact that YUFA was not fully consulted about this.

If you submit your CV via the form provided by your Dean, YUFA would like to stress to members that all other questions are optional and need not be answered.

This survey marks the second time this fall that the York administration has attempted to collect data from YUFA members about their teaching and research activities (the first was a survey about AI use). 

YUFA cares about members’ data privacy. We believe members have a right to know why our data is being collected, how it will be used, what kinds of anonymity or confidentiality we can expect, how our data will be stored, who will have access to it, and how and when our personal data will be deleted. When YUFA members’ data is collectively analyzed, it can provide powerful insights into workplace trends and patterns and can be used to make decisions about the future of the university.

During our last round of bargaining, YUFA presented the employer with a robust proposal that would have improved members’ data rights. The employer was resistant to our proposal and unfortunately, YUFA was unable to secure contract language that would provide the level of data privacy and protection that we deserve.

YUFA can not guarantee how data from recent employer-administered surveys – like the AI survey or the additional questions accompanying CV submission -- will be used. Until the university is willing to engage with the union and negotiate language that guarantees YUFA members adequate data rights and protections, YUFA discourages members from participating in optional surveys about workplace activities, performance, preferences, etc.

For more information, see this recent International Labour Organization working paper:  https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/wp149.pdf