NAIT Academic Staff Vote for Strike Action Amid Negotiations

Academic staff at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) are one step closer to potential strike action following a significant vote by members of the NAIT Academic Staff Association (NASA). On Thursday, an overwhelming 83 percent of the approximately 1,200 eligible members voted in favor of authorizing a strike, should negotiations fail to yield satisfactory results. Although the strike vote is a crucial development, both the union and the institution express a desire to return to the bargaining table before taking further action.

The vote, which saw participation from 83 percent of eligible members, remains unofficial until it is verified by the Alberta Labour Relations Board. If confirmed, NASA will have a 120-day window to act, requiring at least 72 hours’ notice before any strike could commence. NASA President Shauna MacDonald emphasized the union’s preference to negotiate rather than strike. “We want to go back to the bargaining table. We don’t want to strike, but we will strike if that’s what it comes to,” she stated.

Current Negotiation Landscape

Negotiations for a new collective agreement have been ongoing since July 2024, with a mediator involved since April. However, discussions reached an impasse, prompting the union to seek a strike mandate. In a recent news release, NAIT indicated that its current offer includes a 12 percent salary increase over four years, retroactive pay for 2024 and 2025, and enhancements to health spending accounts and professional development funds.

Interim Associate Vice-President of Human Resources and Labour Relations, Jodi Edmunds, noted the institution’s commitment to a fair and sustainable agreement while balancing its long-term financial health. “Like all publicly funded institutions, we have a responsibility to ensure any collective agreement is fair and sustainable,” she remarked.

MacDonald highlighted the union’s concerns regarding proposed changes to benefits, particularly how they may affect coverage for certain prescription medications and the potential exclusion of drugs prescribed for “off-label” uses. The union is also advocating for stronger job security measures related to intellectual property and protections concerning AI-generated course materials.

Impact on Students and Future Considerations

With nearly 28,000 students enrolled at NAIT, the potential for a strike raises significant concerns. Lilly Houcher, president of the NAIT Students’ Association (NAITSA), expressed disappointment over the lack of progress after 18 months of negotiations. She voiced worries about the impact a strike could have on students’ education and their ability to graduate. “Students are worried about their studies being interrupted. They’re worried about not being able to graduate,” Houcher said.

Edmunds assured students and faculty that operations will continue as usual, stating, “We do not want to speculate on what might happen in the future, and we are taking this one day at a time. Our focus is minimizing disruption to student learning.” She also confirmed that NAIT has received approval from its board of governors to apply for a lockout if necessary, a move that would prevent employees from working, akin to a strike.

As both sides navigate these complex negotiations, the priority remains clear: to find a resolution that supports the academic community while ensuring operational stability.