The Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Association, better known as WLUSA, began its history in the early 1970s as a social club. As the University grew, the Association began to expand to include salary and benefits negotiations, grievance procedures and acting as a voice for staff in the University community. In the early 1990s, it became clear that WLUSA should investigate the possibility of certification. After much work and research by the Certification Committee, the decision was made to become an independent local union.

On October 30, 1995 WLUSA became a trade union and on May 14, 1997 signed the first Collective Agreement with the University. In September 2009, the Member voted in favour to transfer its jurisdiction to the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF). We are currently in our tenth Collective Agreement expiring on June 30, 2026.