President’s Welcome
Dear AAU Members,
As we prepare to kick off a new academic year, your AAU Executive would like to extend a warm welcome back—and a special greeting to all new members joining us this fall. We're excited to begin another year of advocating, organizing, and growing together.
We invite you to watch a short welcome video from your Union President, Neil Cody, where he introduces the Executive team, shares reflections on our work over the summer, and outlines the AAU’s priorities for the year ahead:
In the video, you’ll find important updates on:
Strategic decisions regarding presidential leave:
Rather than taking the full-year leave approved in the last budget, Neil has opted to delay until January and serve a full teaching load this fall. This approach allows us to reinvest part of those funds into building long-term capacity, like Union365 and national engagement with CAUT (further discussion and vote to follow), where along with many other colleges and universities across the country, can access training and professional development, strategy sessions, and building industry alliances that will strengthen our position in future negotiations.
The rollout of Union365 and our updated AAU website
We’re excited to be modernizing how we manage grievances, track data, and communicate with members. Expect easier navigation, better responsiveness, and more transparency.Changes to PD administration and supports
This fall, we’ll be implementing updated guidelines to improve clarity and access to PD grants, the bursary program, and the Kindness Initiative. More details will be shared on the website and through Campus Reps.An open invitation to get involved
We need more voices at the table. If you’re interested in becoming a Campus Representative or serving on a committee, we want to hear from you. Training is provided, and it’s a great opportunity to gain experience, contribute, and connect with colleagues across the province.A reminder of your union benefits, including:
A negotiated Collective Agreement
Access to grievance support and representation
Funding through PD grants, the AAU bursary, and Kindness Initiative
Training and networking opportunities through CAUT and beyond
If you know of a new faculty or professional support colleague who may not yet be connected to us, or have any follow-up questions or interest in getting involved, please reach out to Amber at: coordinator@atlanticau.ca.
As we head into the long weekend, we also take time to recognize the importance of Labour Day:
Labour Day—also known in some contexts as International Workers’ Day—has deep roots. In April 1872, a printers’ strike helped pave the way for the Trade Union Act, which granted legal protections for organized labour in Canada. If you’d like to learn more, visit: Origins of Labour Day | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Labour Day is marked as a statutory public holiday in Canada, and a reminder of the hard-fought rights we continue to protect and advance together.
We hope you enjoy this last long weekend of summer and head into the fall refreshed and ready.
Happy Labour Day!
— The Atlantic Academic Union