UPEI and CUPE 1870 celebrate new collective agreement

The University of Prince Edward Island and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 1870) marked the ratification of a new collective agreement with a ceremony and cake on June 23 in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall. UPEI reached an agreement with CUPE 1870, which represents administrative and support staff at UPEI, following 3.5 days of bargaining in May.

Director of Human Resources Kylie Fraser served as master of ceremonies for the gathering that included members of CUPE 1870, both bargaining teams, and senior administration, including Dr. Jane Ngobia, Vice-President, People and Culture. 

Kelly Drummond, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources, spoke on behalf of the University.

“This round of negotiations was incredible. Working with the negotiating teams, I have to say they were really focused on ensuring that that their members—our employees—got the best out of this round of negotiations. They were steadfast, they were clear every step of the way.

“Our approach to negotiations wasn’t around positions, it was more interest based…The process has really reinforced the strength of our collegial relationship. 

“Negotiations can be challenging, but they are also an opportunity to develop trust and respect among the parties, and I personally feel that we got there….Going forward, we have a shared vision of making UPEI the best place to work….

“Thank you to everyone who played a role in reaching this outcome and to all for being a part of this community. Today, we’re not only celebrating an agreement but also a continued partnership. Policies matter, agreements matter, but people matter most.”

Katie Morriscey and Tracy Carmichael delivered remarks together on behalf of the CUPE 1870 bargaining team. 

Morriscey said, “The ratification of our new collective agreement is something we can all be proud of. It represents months of hard work, thoughtful discussion, and a shared commitment to improving the working lives of our members.

“This agreement is a reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together. The bargaining team came to the table united, determined to make progress, and committed to ensuring that every member’s voice was represented. 

“We would also like to acknowledge UPEI’s senior leadership team. Throughout negotiations, the discussions were conducted with professionalism and respect even when we approached issues from different perspectives. We appreciate the University’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the campus culture and creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and heard.

“The respect shown throughout this process demonstrated that collective bargaining can be both productive and constructive, and that meaningful progress is possible when there is genuine commitment to listening and working together.

Carmichael said, “From the beginning, the bargaining team was focused on securing meaningful enhancements that would benefit all our members. While not every conversation was easy, the process was collaborative, respectful, and supported by an engaged membership that helped guide our priorities.

“We are grateful for the trust and support shown throughout the bargaining process...through surveys, conversations, meetings, or voting, members played an important role in helping us reach this outcome.

“A collective agreement is more than just wages and benefits, it is a reflection of our shared commitment to a strong university community and the people who make that community successful every day.

“As we move forward, our work doesn’t stop here. We remain committed to making a workplace where we spend so much of our lives a better place for everyone. We will continue to advocate for fairness, respect, inclusion, and a healthy workplace culture.”

Morriscey added, “Together, we can continue to live the values that define our University community—trust, safety, and inclusion; respect, integrity, collaboration, and excellence—let’s build on the positive momentum created throughout this course of bargaining.”

UPEI thanks the members of both bargaining teams for their commitment and dedication to the process: 

• For CUPE 1870: Katie Morriscey, Angie Driscoll, Tracy Carmichael, Kimberly Backle, and Molly McGrath
• For UPEI: Lukas Riley, Kylie Fraser, Megan Gee, Marven MacLean, and Jeff MacLean