Certain powers are accorded under the Ontario Labour Relations Act to unions. The OLRB clearly places upon a duly constituted and recognized union the responsibility and obligation to bargain and to provide its bargaining unit membership with fair and impartial representation by the Union. By the Memorandum of Understanding dated May 4, 1976 and the Certificate from the OLRB dated December 6, 1977 the Faculty Association accepted this obligation.
Section 70 of the OLRB implies that the union has the right to negotiate and protect its members in regard to "...rates of wages or any right, privilege, or duty..." This clearly outlines that there is no limit to the role and responsibility of the Association in regard to protecting the members of the bargaining unit.
The Faculty Association has an obligation to see that the Collective Agreement is enforced. When violations occur, the Association normally files an individual, group or policy grievance against the Board of Governors (administration).
The Association has the responsibility to its own members. The Association must ensure that individuals are treated equitably in a just and fair manner.