With the hours ticking down to a strike, negotiators for Carleton University and the union representing its academic staff reached a tentative settlement in their contract dispute.

With the three-year deal, academic staff won a 5 per cent salary increase (plus a $250 increase to base) in the first year, 3 per cent (plus a $200 increase to base) in the second year, and 3 per cent in the third year. In addition, the salary floor for an assistant professor was raised by $2,000, which also increases the value of employees' career development increments and the breakpoints and ceilings for career development increments.

"We are also pleased with what is not in the agreement," said Sonya Lipsett-Rivera, chief negotiator for the Carleton University Academic Staff Association.

"The administration was determined to introduce a merit pay scheme, require co-pay on benefits for retirees, and allow suspension without pay as a disciplinary step.

"We said no and stuck by our position," she added.

CUASA president Thomas Kunz said he was pleased with the settlement.

"This agreement takes us a long way toward making Carleton salaries closer to those at comparable institutions in Ontario," he said.

The agreement was ratified by union members on Oct. 30.