Support When You Need It Most
Workplace questions and challenges can arise at any stage of your career. Whether you’re seeking guidance on a policy, preparing for an important workplace conversation, navigating a conflict, or simply looking for advice, PMA is here to help.
PMA members have access to confidential support, guidance, and advocacy throughout their employment at Western University. Our role is to help members understand their rights and responsibilities, navigate workplace challenges, and promote the fair and consistent application of workplace policies and practices.
Why Membership Matters
PMA advocates broadly for PMA-eligible employees, but many of the support services described here are available only to PMA members. Membership provides access to confidential advice, workplace meeting support, guidance on employment-related matters, and opportunities to influence PMA’s advocacy priorities. For many members, access to experienced support during significant workplace situations is one of the most valuable benefits of PMA membership.
Advocacy and Negotiations
Your Voice at the Table
PMA advocates for members individually and collectively.
The Negotiations Committee represents PMA members and PMA-eligible employees in negotiations with Western University regarding the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The MOA includes negotiated terms related to compensation and employment supports, including:
- Salary
- Vacation
- Tuition support for dependants
- Educational assistance for employees
- Personal and caregiving days
- Other employee and family supports
Through research, consultation, and negotiation, the Committee works to secure an agreement that is fair, competitive, and aligned with member priorities.
How We Represent Members
Successful advocacy starts with listening. PMA gathers member input and develops evidence-based proposals by:
- Gathering member feedback through surveys and consultations.
- Monitoring workplace issues and member priorities.
- Analyzing trends and external benchmarks.
- Developing proposals that reflect members’ collective interests.
- Advocating for members in discussions with Western.
This work helps ensure members’ perspectives are represented in decisions that affect their professional lives.
Driving Positive Change
In addition to supporting individual members, PMA works to strengthen the workplace experience for Professional and Managerial staff across Western.
- Identifying Systemic Issues: Monitoring recurring concerns raised by members and bringing emerging trends and broader challenges to Human Resources for review and action.
- Promoting Consistency: Working with Human Resources when policies or MAPPs are applied inconsistently across faculties or administrative units, helping promote fairness and equitable treatment.
- Improving the Employee Experience: Collaborating with Human Resources to explore opportunities that enhance professional development, workplace practices, staff engagement, and the overall employee experience.
- Representing Member Perspectives: Bringing forward the collective voice of members to influence discussions about workplace policies, practices, and initiatives that affect Professional and Managerial staff.
Employment Support
PMA provides confidential support and guidance on a range of workplace matters.
All conversations with PMA are confidential and handled with professionalism and discretion.
Policy/Procedure Guidance
PMA helps members understand how policies, procedures, and employment practices apply to their situation and identify appropriate next steps.
Workplace Meeting Support
PMA representatives can attend meetings for workplace investigations, performance-related discussions, and meetings at the end of employment.
Benefits Guidance
PMA answers questions about PMA benefits, including eligibility, coverage, available resources, and helps connect members with more detailed information when needed.
Conflict Resolution Support
When workplace conflict arises, PMA can help members understand their options, explore possible approaches, and connect with appropriate University resources when needed.
PDG Support
PMA can help members prepare for the Professional Dialogue and Goal Setting (PDG) process by providing guidance on completing the process effectively, and preparing for leader discussions.
Confidential Advocacy
Some workplace situations can be complex or sensitive. PMA provides confidential advice and support while encouraging constructive and respectful resolution wherever possible.
Please note that PMA-eligible employees must be dues-paying members for at least three months to receive support, and have been dues-paying members for at least 24 months before they can access legal consultation paid for through the Association.