APSA representatives and a recently retired member were all
smiles last week after taking home a victory in an advocacy case, against the
University, over tuition waivers.
The case started in February when the University denied the recently
retired member’s request to access tuition waiver. The University argued that
the member didn’t have the ten years of service at SFU necessary to qualify for
the benefit. This was news to APSA advocates, as there is no mention of this
requirement in policy AD 10.12 Tuition Waiver, nor had APSA ever been informed
of it.
APSA responded by filling a grievance against the University,
on the member’s behalf.
A one and a half day arbitration was booked after months of preparation, failed meetings with University
representatives and legal consultations
After hearing
opening arguments from both sides, the arbitrator immediately signaled that it would be in the best
interest of the University to settle the matter rather than continuing with arbitration.
A settlement, in APSA's favour, was agreed to outside of arbitration and was a victory on two fronts. First, the
member was entitled to full tuition waiver benefits (according to AD 10.12, section 3.02), as soon as the case was won. Secondly, APSA and the University will attempt
to negotiate a qualifying period of time members must work at SFU to be
eligible for the tuition waiver benefit upon retirement.
If the two sides cannot come to agreement within a
reasonable period of time, the issue will be referred back to the arbitrator
for mediation. In the event that all else fails, the arbitrator will impose a
qualifying period of time.
These negotiations will give APSA an opportunity to look at
what is fair and reasonable for all members and what additional benefit can be
gained by APSA in exchange.