The University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association (USFA) was founded in 1952 to negotiate faculty salaries and other benefits with the Board of Governors of the University of Saskatchewan. On January 26, 1977, the USFA was certified under the Trade Union Act. The first Collective Agreement was signed December 15, 1978. The USFA is the legally recognized bargaining agent for more than 1,000 full time academic employees.
Union dues are based on a member’s salary and the mil rate, currently 8.5. Dues amount to $8.50 for every $1,000 of salary. For example, for an annual salary of $70,000, dues would be $595.00 per year. Union dues are tax deductible.
Dues represent approximately 99% of USFA revenue. Other revenue can be attributed to investments such as interest from savings accounts and term deposits. Member dues are used for membership development, to pay legal fees, to employ staff, and for a host of other things that have members’ interests in mind.