If you know a NASA member who is not receiving our updates, please forward this to them and have them reach out to [email protected].
Dear NASA Members,
By now, most of you know that after 16 months at the table and 12 days in mediation, NASA was written out of the process. We know this news has raised questions and concerns — and we want to begin by thanking everyone who has already shown visible solidarity across campus. Seeing NASA Ready to Launch buttons on jackets and backpacks, placards on office doors, Teams backgrounds, and profile photos has been powerful. Buttons and placards are available in the NASA office, and I have included downloadable images for you to continue showing your support.
More than 350 members attended our town halls earlier this week, asked thoughtful questions, and engaged deeply with the issues at stake. Your commitment and clarity made it clear that members understand exactly what is on the line — and that you expect an agreement that protects your work and your future.
We also want to be clear: NASA is committed to reaching a fair agreement through negotiations. A strike vote does not mean we want to strike; it means we need the leverage to bring NAIT back to the table. A strong strike mandate reduces the likelihood of a strike because it signals that NASA members will not accept an offer that moves us backwards on earnings, benefits, workload protections, academic integrity, or job security.
We left mediation because the direction NAIT insisted on would have resulted in permanent losses for members: weakened benefit protections, increased workload pressures without safeguards, the continued exclusion of ESL instructors, threats to academic work through IP and AI issues, and proposals that erode long-term salary growth across classifications. These issues strike at the foundation of our professions. When it became clear that these concerns could not be resolved in mediation, ending the process was the only responsible choice.
We will hold new town halls in the first week of January, and they will contain different information from the December sessions. Every member is encouraged to attend at least one. These sessions will support your understanding ahead of the upcoming strike vote and will address the mediated proposals more fully now that the without-prejudice process has concluded.
NASA is preparing to apply to the Alberta Labour Relations Board for a strike vote around to be held around January 15. This will allow members to provide a strong strike mandate — the leverage needed to secure a fair agreement at the table.
In addition, beginning the week of January 5—and earlier where possible—we will send focused written updates on salary, benefits and the formulary proposal, ESL issues, and job security concerns (including AI, IP, and the use of Instructional Assistants). These updates will give you the clear, factual information needed before voting.
If you have not yet provided your personal (non-NAIT) contact information, please fill out this Google form. This is essential for receiving timely updates, strike vote information, and any potential strike pay processing. Casual members in particular must ensure their information is up to date, as NAIT email access is not guaranteed. (We already have everyone’s NAIT ID number on every dues list we receive, so providing this helps us authenticate you!)
NASA is united, prepared, and unwavering. We can secure the agreement you deserve — but only by standing together. Thank you for your strength, your solidarity, and your ongoing support of one another.
In solidarity,
Shauna MacDonald (she/her/hers)
President, NAIT Academic Staff Association
