Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association (WLUFA) Negotiations Move to Conciliation: What’s at Stake for Contract Faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University and what the future holds for these associations
On Dec. 8, 2025, Wilfrid Laurier University and the Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association (WLUFA) filed for joint conciliation, and a conciliator has been appointed to help guide discussions. Following the conciliation, the two organizations are entering a critical stage in negotiations for contract teaching faculty, whose collective agreement expired on Aug. 31, 2025.
“Additional bargaining dates, as well as meetings with the conciliator, will take place in the new year,” said Aoghus Kealy, the Communications & Media Relations officer at Wilfrid Laurier University. “Conciliation is a normal part of the bargaining process and often results in an agreement.”
Contract teaching faculty occupy a unique space within the university. Unlike full-time faculty, they are primarily focused on teaching rather than research or service obligations, though some do engage in these activities.
Christine Neill, Chair of the Department of Economics and Associate Professor of Economics, explained that determining equitable treatment for contract faculty is challenging. “Contract faculty have a different set of responsibilities from full-time faculty,” said Neill. “While for some, teaching is something they want to do part-time or occasionally, for many contracts faculty who would prefer a full-time job at Laurier, this creates a lot of stress.”
Much of that stress stems from workspace issues, particularly when meeting with students or holding office hours, which are perennial issues in negotiations. These challenges are compounded by the current lack of space on the Waterloo campus. Neill also highlighted the role of solidarity in collective bargaining. “Collective bargaining is generally more effective than individual bargaining because it is collective,” she said. “Since the university is a single entity, if it negotiates with individual instructors, it has monopsony power.”
She added that unions attempt to counteract that power by acting as a monopoly. Any action that can demonstrate collective solidarity or show that the group is coherent rather than a collection of individuals tends to strengthen the union’s position.
Negotiations between WLUFA and the university have covered common sticking points in academic contract bargaining, which can delay agreements. Contract teaching faculty play a vital role in delivering courses and supporting students while often balancing other professional commitments. Many rely on the collective agreement for seniority and rehiring protections, which provide some predictability in an otherwise uncertain employment environment. However, the non-permanent nature of contract positions continues to create tension, particularly for those seeking greater stability.
The negotiations reflect broader trends in higher education, where universities increasingly rely on contract faculty to meet teaching needs, particularly for undergraduate programs. This model provides flexibility for institutions and some instructors, but it also raises questions about job security and fairness. Contract faculty work often extends beyond classroom instruction, making equitable treatment and support essential not only for instructors but also for students and the broader university community.
With conciliation in place, the coming months will be decisive. Additional meetings between WLUFA, the university, and the conciliator are expected in early 2026. The outcome will have significant implications for hundreds of contract faculty whose contributions are central to student learning and the university’s academic mission. Ensuring that contract faculty are fairly compensated, provided with appropriate workspaces, and supported in their roles is key to maintaining a high-quality learning environment.
Contract teaching faculty have diverse priorities. Some prefer part-time teaching roles, while others aspire to full-time positions, making negotiation essential to balance individual needs with institutional capacity. The presence of a conciliator provides an external perspective to help bridge differences and facilitate resolution when direct bargaining reaches an impasse.
Students, faculty, and staff are closely monitoring the process. Decisions in the coming months will shape the professional lives of contract instructors and signal how the university values and supports those who dedicate themselves to teaching. The stakes are high, as reaching an agreement could improve stability, fairness, and working conditions for contract faculty, while failure to reach a consensus could prolong uncertainty and stress.
Ultimately, contract teaching faculty are vital to Wilfrid Laurier University. Their work impacts the quality of education and student experience. The ongoing negotiations between WLUFA and the university, including conciliation proceedings, reflect the importance of collective bargaining in addressing the complex needs of contract faculty. How these talks conclude will have lasting implications for faculty, students, and the broader university community.
Contributed Photo/Sangjun Han/News Director
