PEA-UVic Summer Newsletter
Dear PEA members,
On behalf of our Executive, I would like to thank everyone who took the opportunity to complete the 2025 bargaining survey. This round we had historic engagement with over 650 members responding, nearly half of our total membership.
Your bargaining committee has been meeting to review the survey responses and to determine the priorities and proposals for negotiations, which will commence in the fall. Watch your inbox in the coming weeks for an invite to a collective bargaining webinar where you can learn about the process and what to expect, as well as some town halls with our bargaining committee where they will share the high-level bargaining proposals..
We have created a secure page on the PEA website where all bargaining bulletins will be posted, and you can send feedback to the bargaining committee (note member login to this page is required): https://pea.org/chapters/uvic/bargaining/
In the meantime, we are keeping an eye on the BC General Employees Union and the GLP Chapter of the PEA who are both currently taking strike votes. These BC Government workers fall under the Public Sector Employers’ Council (PSEC) mandate, and the outcomes of both of their bargaining tables will impact our UVic Chapter negotiations, so it’s worth keeping informed on their progress. Please note that although the GLP Chapter is taking a strike vote which could lead to job action, this does not mean our own chapter will be going on strike. We first need to enter into bargaining, reach impasse and take our own strike vote for this to happen.
Hopefully you had a restful summer,
Kristen Ficke
UVic Chapter Chair
Labour Day Picnic: Monday, September 1
Come find our PEA booth at the Victoria Labour Council Picnic on Monday, September 1 at Memorial Park in Esquimalt to celebrate worker solidarity. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with music, food, speakers and activities for the kids. It’s a great way to join your fellow union workers on Labour Day – we hope to see you there!
Combined Pension Contribution: Rate Decrease
On July 18, members were advised by the pension services that the plan will be reducing the required contribution rates effective, September 1, 2025. This reduction is the result of an actuarial valuation of the plan that was completed in 2025 for the year ending December 31, 2024.
According to pension services, the plan remains “in a healthy financial position” which has resulted in the actuarial recommended reduction being approved by the Pension Board of Trustees. Our thanks to Local Chapter Executive member, Dr. Ori Granot, for his diligent work sitting as an elected representative to the Pension Board.
If you would like to learn more about your pension, please review the Understanding Your Pension Plan guide for further information or contact our office at pensions@uvic.ca or 250-721-7030.
If you would like to learn more about your PBC Benefits coverage you can view the details of coverage and eligibility in the Benefits Handbook and an outline of coverage and contributions rates made by the university and plan members/employees is available in the quick reference guide here: Understanding your PBC Benefits Coverage.
Long Term Disability: Annual Report
PEA members have invested wisely in ensuring that there is adequate coverage available where circumstances occur that result in long-term absences from work because of medical circumstances. All PEA members contribute to this plan.
Today the plan provides income security for approximately 3.5% of our membership. Our thanks to Chapter Executive member, John Foxgord, for his ongoing work as the PEA Nominee to the Long-Term Disability Trust.
PBC Extended Health Benefits: Contribution Increase
On July 11, members were advised by the employer of a rate increase to the extended health plan effective, August 1, 2025. The increase is a result of a number of factors including new extended benefits introduced in July 2024, elevated inflation rates in health care and increased plan utilization. The Basic Group Life Insurance rates will also see a decrease of 8.5% effective, July 1, 2025.
While the increase is regrettable, there is some reason for optimism in that the increase is expected to generate a small surplus in 2025 and substantially reduce the accumulated plan deficit in 2026/2027. According to the employer and assuming that utilization rates continue at the new 2024-2025 levels, future increases are expected to align with inflation.
Your union remains committed to collaborating with the Employer to do what we can to keep rates low. Our thanks to the hard work of Chapter Executive members, Lukasz Krawczyk, John Foxgord, and Ori Granot, for their guidance in our continued work on the benefits committee.
You can read the Long-Term Disability Trust Annual Report and general information on the PEA Long Term Disability Benefits by clicking the links.
Local Rep Recruitment
Thank you to our new local reps who have stepped forward to fill some of our current vacancies. The most up-to-date list is on the PEA website HERE.
We are still looking for local rep support for the following buildings:
– Campus Security, Campus Services (Bookstore) and Child Care
– Clearihue
– Health & Wellness Building
– Saunders & Saunders Annex
If you are interested in being a local rep for any of the buildings listed above, please email Ash Senini.
We are also recruiting for two members-at-large to form an Appointment committee. If you are looking to get more involved in your union this is a great low impact opportunity. If you would like to learn more about being a local rep or to participate on boards or committees, contact sportman@pea.org.
New Minister of Post Secondary Education
The PEA membership sends congrats to Jessie Sunner, the new Minister of Post Secondary Education.
