City of Hamilton | Academic librarians employed by McMaster University
Click here to view the original collective agreement.
Renewal agreement: Effective August 1, 2024, with automatic renewals for one-year periods unless either party provides written notice 120 days before expiration.
Wage adjustments: Across-the-Board (ATB) increases each year of the agreement: 3% per year plus market adjustments in specific years.
Paid holidays: Employees are entitled to holidays per McMaster University’s holiday schedule.
Vacations with pay: Vacation entitlement ranges from 23 to 30 days annually, depending on years of service.
Overtime: Employees may not exceed 48 hours of work in one week, with flexible work arrangements recognized as necessary.
Medical Benefits: Extended Health Plan includes 100% employer-paid premiums, covering emergency medical and eligible costs without deductibles for certain items, including mental health services.
Dental: Employer pays 100% of the premium for eligible employees; coverage mandatory unless alternative coverage through a spouse.
Vision: Plan covers 100% of costs up to $500 for glasses or contact lenses every 24 months (effective Aug. 1, 2025).
Short-term disability: Up to six months of full salary for absences due to illness or injury lasting 10 days or more.
Long-term disability: Mandatory participation, employee-paid; plan ends when the employee turns 65.
Alcohol and substance abuse policy: N/A
Life insurance: University pays 100% of premiums for basic coverage; optional employee-paid coverage also available.
Pension: Mandatory participation in either the Contributory Pension Plan or Group RRSP, depending on hire date.
Bereavement leave: Up to 5 days for the death of immediate family members, plus 2 additional days for extensive travel.
Seniority – recall rights: Employees have recall rights to positions within 12 months if rehiring occurs.
Probationary period: New employees serve an eight-month probationary period, extendable by six months if performance concerns arise.
Discipline: Discipline follows a progressive approach, and discharge requires just cause.
Severance: Two weeks' pay per year of service, with a minimum of 13 weeks and a maximum of 52 weeks for redundancies.
Editor’s Notes: The Professional Development Allowance (PDA) allows carryover of unused funds up to twice the annual amount.
