Support

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.

Employment Support

PMA provides confidential support and guidance on a range of workplace matters.

Policy and Procedure Guidance

Questions about a University policy, employment practice, or workplace procedure?
PMA can help members understand how policies, procedures, and employment practices apply to their situation and identify appropriate next steps.

Benefits Guidance

PMA can answer questions about PMA benefits, including eligibility, coverage, and available resources, and help connect members with more detailed information when needed.

Workplace Meeting Support

Members may request support when attending workplace meetings, including:

  • Workplace investigations
  • Performance-related discussions
  • Meetings related to the end of an employment relationship

PMA representatives can attend these meetings to provide support and help members understand the process.

Professional Dialogue and Goal Setting (PDG) Support

PMA can help members prepare for the Professional Dialogue and Goal Setting process by providing guidance on:

  • Completing the process effectively
  • Identifying meaningful development goals
  • Understanding expectations
  • Preparing for productive discussions with leaders

Our goal is to help members approach these conversations with confidence and clarity.

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.

Confidential Advocacy

Some workplace situations can be complex or sensitive. PMA provides confidential advice and support while encouraging constructive and respectful resolution wherever possible.

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:

  • Soliciting feedback through surveys and consultations
  • Monitoring workplace issues and member priorities
  • Analyzing trends and external benchmarks
  • Developing proposals that reflect collective member interests
  • Advocating on behalf of members in discussions with the University

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.

Why Membership Matters

PMA advocates broadly for PMA-eligible employees, but many of the support services described above 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.

Contact the Support and Equity Committee

If you have a question, concern, or would like to discuss a workplace matter confidentially, we encourage you to contact the PMA office.

Book an Appointment
Email the PMA Office