PSAC Summary of Negotiated Changes
The new collective agreement between the Dalhousie University Board of Governors and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, Local 86001, representing our Postdoctoral Fellow Employees (postdocs), has been ratified by both bargaining unit members and the Board.
Below is a summary of the negotiated changes. View the PSAC collective agreement [PDF].
Cost of Living Adjustments |
January 1, 2024 – 1.0% January 1, 2025 – 2.5% |
Increases to Minimum Salary |
January 1, 2024 – $45,000 January 1, 2025 – $50,000 |
Pregnancy/Parental Leave |
Top up to 95% of salary for 26 weeks (for those who qualify for EI) *if not covered by grants, this will be supported centrally |
Benefits |
Increased mental health benefit Health Spending Account increased to $500 |
Vacation |
Introduction of graduated vacation allowance: <2 yrs of service: 15 days annually. >2 yrs of service: 20 days annually |
Other Leaves |
Provision of 5 days’ paid leave annually for family care leave New clause for Domestic Violence Leave provides up to 2 weeks’ paid leave annually Provision of 1-week paid leave annually for surgery, hospitalization and serious illness (in addition to sick leave) |
Appointment Length |
All appointments will be required to be at least 12 months, save for exceptions involving insufficient funding, supervisor unavailability, circumstances beyond Dal’s control such as immigration issues, etc. |
Notification of Extension |
Postdocs will be required to receive notice of extension at least 60 calendar days prior to the end of their position, except where funding has not been secured by this time. |
Probationary Period |
Supervisors will be required to provide feedback in writing if, during the probationary period, they consider a postdoc’s performance unsatisfactory. The postdoc must be given the chance to improve. |
Hours of Work |
Postdocs shall not be required to work more than 50 hours/work week unless mutually agreed in advance. Postdocs will receive time in lieu for working beyond 40 hours/week. |
Evaluations and Interviews |
Postdocs will normally have annual reviews. Postdocs may propose exit interviews with an HR rep, supervisor, or the Dean/designate. |
Termination of Employment |
New resignation clauses: Postdocs will be required to give at least 10 days’ written notice of resignation. A PDF who is absent from work for more than 10 consecutive days shall be deemed to have resigned. After the probationary period, supervisors will be required to provide 4 weeks’ notice or pay in lieu of notice should the position end due to frustration of contract. |
Training and Professional Development |
New article indicates that postdocs must be provided with training necessary for their position. New clauses provide for postdocs to engage in PD with the supervisor’s approval. |
Duration |
The new Collective Agreement will be in effect until December 31, 2025. |