Employees

NASA Collective Agreement Summary + FAQs

9 June 2025

A new collective agreement is now in place between NASA and the university for the period from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2028. The parties are working on incorporating agreed-upon language into a finalized agreement. The agreement is anticipated to be published by late summer.

Summary of Changes

The following are the notable changes within the renewal collective agreement (this does not include all changes):

Monetary:

  • General wage increase/across-the-board (ATB) of 3% per year retroactive to April 1, 2024. 
  • Casual Collapse: Casual 1, Student Casual and Casual 2 employment categories will be merged into one new category “Casual” effective April 1, 2026.
  • Dental implants coverage increased.
  • New weekend shift differential of $2/hour for each hour worked on the weekend effective May 12, 2025.
  • Meal allowance increased to $15 for breakfast, $15 for lunch and $30 for dinner effective May 12, 2025.
  • Standby premium increased by $10 per shift effective May 15, 2025 and an additional $5 per shift effective April 1, 2027.
  • Supplementary Trades:
    • include access to recreation facilities
    • add entitlement to illness leave to a maximum of 12 days
    • to align with the supplemental trades, include the same 12 day maximum for casuals

Notable Non-Monetary:

  • Commitment to health and safety through new language in the agreement.
  • Align to the Occupational Health and Safety Act’s definition of Harassment.
  • Allow the use of internal investigators for discrimination and harassment complaints.
  • New Letter of Understanding related to Flexible Work Arrangements and Scheduling.
  • New Article addressing 12 hour shifts. 
  • New Letter of Understanding for the parties to examine the job evaluation system.
  • Domestic Violence leave: 5 days paid leave (and 5 unpaid) included within the current maximum entitlement of Special Leave.
  • New Letter of Understanding on Picket Lines allowing the option to request approval to work from home during a legal work stoppage by another bargaining unit at the university.
  • Human Resources Development Fund annual amount a Regular/Auxiliary employee may apply for increased from $750 to $1000; no change to aggregate pooled amount. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the new agreement in effect? What parts are retroactive?

The agreement is in effect now. All items in the agreement were effective on the date of ratification, May 12, 2025, unless indicated otherwise in the agreement. Some items in the agreement, such as the casual collapse, will not take effect until a future date. 

The across-the-board (ATB) general wage increase is retroactive. The increase to wages in year one is 3% retroactive to April 1, 2024. The increase to wages in year two is 3% retroactive to April 1, 2025. These will be applied to staff at all grades and steps. The year three and four increases take effect April 1, 2026 and 2027, respectively. 

Am I eligible for retroactive pay?

You are eligible for for retroactive pay if you were actively employed from April 1, 2024 onward, including if you:

  • Were on paid leave during that time, even if you are currently on unpaid leave, when you return to work.
  • Are currently on general illness or long term disability.
  • Are on a gradual return to work, but only for the portion of time you are receiving pay.
  • Were a NASA employee but moved to an AASUA or MAPS position.
  • Are a recurring term employee and currently active; if you are currently on your recurring term leave it will be paid upon your return.
  • Are no longer employed by the university, but are only entitled from April 1, 2024 to your termination or retirement date.
I no longer work for the university, am I still eligible?

Yes, you are entitled to the across-the-board (ATB) pay increase retroactively for the time that you were employed between April 1, 2024 and your termination date. You will need to reach out to Shared Services by August 12, 2025 through the Staff Service Centre or call 780-492-8000. 

You will need to provide your employee ID and dates of employment to validate your identity and eligibility. Payment for terminated employees will begin effective the July 1-15, 2025 pay period and onwards as requests are submitted.

When will I see the retroactive pay and new salary rate?

If you are actively employed or on paid leave, retroactive pay will be issued based the following payment schedule 

  • June 1-15 pay period: June 24 pay date
    • Employees will receive retroactive salary increase for the period from April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025 (year 1 of the agreement)
    • New updated salary rate will be applied effective June 1-15 pay period.
  • June 16-30 pay period: July 10 pay date
    • Employees will receive retroactive salary increase for the period from April 1, 2025 - May 31, 2025 (year 2 of the agreement)
What types of salary are included in the retroactive pay? Does it include overtime, responsibility pay, call back etc?

For regular salaried staff retroactive pay applies to regular earnings, such as overtime, responsibility pay, maternity top up and other premium pay.

For hourly paid employees retroactive pay applies to regular earnings, such as overtime, vacation pay, stat pay, and other premium pay.

Is retroactive pay pensionable?

Yes, retroactive pay is pensionable and will be reflected in the pensionable earnings and contributions.

How will I receive the increase to the standby premium and how will I receive the associated increase from May 15 pay?

Employees who were required to be on standby:

  • The new rates will be updated in the system for the June 1st to 15th pay period.
  • The time reporting codes and procedures will remain the same.
  • Pay adjustments for standby entered between May 12, 2025 (date agreement ratified) and May 31, 2025, will be processed on the June 16 to 30, 2025 pay cycle. 
How do I enter the new weekend shift differential and how will I receive the associated pay if I’ve worked a weekend since May 15?

Employees who have worked on weekends since May 15, 2025:

  • The new time reporting code (TRC) is expected to be available in HCM by June 16th.
  • Once the new TRC is available, employees (or supervisors) will be able to enter eligible weekend hours into the timesheet.
  • Payment for weekend shifts will be processed in the pay period in which hours are entered. 
  • If you no longer have access to the timesheet or are not able to enter hours, please submit a timesheet to the Staff Service Centre for processing.
Does the new weekend shift differential apply to casual employees?

No, the weekend shift differential does not apply to casual employees.

Who should I contact with questions on the salary increase and retroactive pay or if there are errors related to my retroactive payment?

Contact the Staff Service Centre at 780-492-8000 with any questions about pay. General questions about the agreement should be directed to your leader.