In this issue

July 2019

Executive Update
Question of the Month
In the News
MRSA Events
MRU Events
General Announcements

Executive Update

2019-2020 MRSA/Board of Governors Collective Agreement

On behalf of Baset Zarrug, President, Mount Royal Staff Association and Sue Mallon, Chair of the Board of Governors, Mount Royal University

On behalf of the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA) and Mount Royal University (University) Board of Governors, we are pleased to inform you that a new Collective Agreement was ratified between the MRSA and University for the period of July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

Final changes are being compiled into the new Collective Agreement and we will let you know you when it is posted on both the MRSA and University websites.

We want to thank all of the individuals who participated in the negotiation process for their commitment and time. Many people contributed to arriving at a new Collective Agreement that is strongly supported by both of the organizations we represent.

Thank you.

Member Question of the Month

Why did the MRSA disallow the motion from the floor at the General Meeting?

The MRSA executive sought the advice of an independent expert parliamentarian, Todd Brand, in order to determine how we should be handling motions from the floor during our General Meetings and Annual General Meetings. His full response to the questions we asked is attached to the newsletter, but in summary:
"It is my parliamentary opinion that the Board acted correctly in not allowing the motion from the floor to be stated and voted upon. Better communication for the reasons for that decision and deciding beforehand on the rules of the meeting would likely have been helpful".
The executive will be working over the summer on policies and procedures to ensure we have a clear and fair process in place prior to the next meeting.

In the News

New to the MRSA newsletter! “In the News” highlights current events related to provincial labour relations and other post-secondary matters.

Breaking public sector contracts an option for new UCP Government (CBC News)

Alberta unions unite against UCP “bully bill” aimed at breaking legally-binding contracts (Alberta Federation of Labour Blog)

MRSA Events

The Social Committee invites you to "Save the Date" September 20, 2019; 12:00-1:00 p.m. for a Welcome Back Popcorn Party in the Staff Lounge (W305)! Stay tuned for more events in 2019-2020.

Canada Day Celebration

The MRSA Canada Day Celebration event was a fantastic and fun event. Approximately 35 people attended. We began by singing of Oh Canada led by Cyndi Cave. There was a Canada Day cake, some munchies and Canada Dry Ginger Ale for people to enjoy. Many participated in two "kahoot" Canadian trivia quizzes. A Canadian Flag was donated by Kent Hehr's office, which was won by Cyndi Cave. Congratulations to all the winners of the trivia contests and door prizes! We hope everyone had a safe and fun Canada Day weekend.

MRU Events

General Announcements

Summer EDT Application Period is open

If you have any professional or personal development courses that begin between July 1 to August 31, you can apply for funding through the MRSA EDT Committee.

You must apply by using the EDT database.

The summer application period closes July 31.

Changes to EDT for 2019-2020

We are making some changes to our EDT policies to provide some more flexibility for our membership. A summary of changes can be found below. More details on each of these changes can be found on the EDT website (see Guidelines and EDT Policies).

The Professional Development application maximum dollar payout is now $3,000 per application. (Note that 100% reimbursement may not be possible. The amount reimbursed depends on: the number of applications submitted, the amounts requested, and the amount allocated to funding period.)

Pilot Program: Travel and Accommodation Expenses

Only professional activities are eligible.

Transportation costs:

Flights, trains, buses, and mileage eligible for reimbursement

Maximum of $1500 CAD return

Local transportation (transit/mileage in Calgary or at event) and parking costs are not included in eligibility.

Accommodation expenses: Up to $200 CAD per eligible night (eligible nights include each night of the event plus one prior and one post event)

Detailed receipts are required for travel and accommodations costs.

See the EDT guidelines for full eligibility and requirements. Contact the EDT Committee at edtmrsa@mtroyal.ca with any questions or for assistance with submitting applications.

Notification of demonstrators on campus

Demonstrators and the images they display can be upsetting to people. To receive an alert when the protesters are present download the new MRU Now safety app for iOS and Android, and contact aranson@mtroyal.ca to be added to a Google group.

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Mount Royal Staff Association · 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW · Calgary, Ab T3E6K6 · Canada