July 30, 2001 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia and its Faculty Association have ratified a three-year agreement. The objective of recruiting and retaining excellent academic staff to UNBC is central to the new agreement.

Highlights of the package include:
· An increase in the allowance for professional development.
· General wage increases of 2%, 2%, and 2% in each year of the agreement.
· An increase in the starting salaries for faculty positions at all ranks. This raise will be positive for faculty who are new to the University and those who are promoted to a new rank.
· A $50,000 fund has been created annually to reward exceptional faculty.
· An annual fund of $125,000 to assist faculty in developing new research projects.

The University's Board of Governors ratified the agreement on Saturday, July 28. Three days earlier, the faculty also ratified the new deal. "It was a difficult decision because the final package for compensation was less than many members had hoped for, particularly as there had been no wage increases in recent years due to provincial guidelines," says Faculty Association President Margaret Anderson. "But on balance, the membership felt that it moves us in the right direction." In addition to the highlights outlined above, the Association is pleased to have made improvements to the promotion and tenure and grievance processes. A new joint committee will implement the agreement and address concerns.

"The University is pleased that this agreement provides us with opportunities to recruit and retain first-rate faculty and academic staff, and also support new research initiatives and professional development," says Deborah Poff, UNBC Vice-President Academic and Provost. "We have done so within the guidelines established for contract negotiations at all BC universities."

The UNBC Faculty Association is comprised of 280 members, including all faculty, instructors, and librarians. The agreement expires June 30, 2004.