Bargaining Bulletin #8

We Won’t Back Down!

As the April 1 strike deadline approaches, the Employer is panicking. They are giving us the same canned speeches at the table about how “strikes don’t work”, to dissuade you and your coworkers from taking action. We will not back down from fighting for fair working conditions! Your bargaining teams are pushing your priorities at the table, while you and your coworkers are joining strike committees, doing picket captain training, and signing up for Strike Pay and Benefits. Let’s keep the momentum going!

UPDATES FROM THE TABLE:

Unit 3:

On Monday, your Bargaining Team responded to your Employer’s first full package. 

We proposed 4% wage increases for every year of our contract and that Long-Term designations get paid the same as the next step in the wage grid. We also pushed for defined benefits and better pensions for Unit 3 workers (which the Employer was silent on in their first full proposal). On Thursday, your Employer responded to our package. Your Employer returned with 1.8% per year increases for every category and 0.25 to 1.75% additional one-time-only increases to Long-Term status workers. They also agreed to create a professional development fund valued at $60,000. However, they’re still silent on benefits or pensions. We still have one more day at the table (March 31) before our strike deadline.

Unit 7:

On Monday, your Bargaining Team received OISE’s second full package. In it, they held on their position for salaries (9%, 2%, 1.8% per year of our contract), but they insisted that there’s no room to consider any changes to our calculation (how much of our GA work is part of our funding packages), nor whether those who win external scholarships can access Group A GAships. OISE did, however, walk back on their proposed concession on removing the minimum number of Group B positions. The pressure we applied in the last few days shows that collective action works! But two BIG issues remain: Calculation and Clawbacks. Will our Employer listen to us and move on these demands?

Unit 2:

Since our last update, negotiations have finally started to touch upon some of your priorities (i.e. job security, equitable employment, respectful environment, available spaces), though other important items like wages, leaves, and benefits are still outstanding because Victoria University is keeping an eye out for what happens with our co-workers in Unit 3. 

We are making sure your Employer does not forget that 95% of you voted YES on a strike vote while also supporting our sister units, as their bargaining will directly impinge on ours. Keep an eye on coming emails from your VP to stay informed on how our conversations go.

Unit 4:

After an almost two-week delay on the part of the Employer, your Unit 4 Bargaining Team met with the Employer on March 26. Your team was prepared with an agenda, talking points, and a plan to move negotiations forward. Unfortunately, the Employer was not as eager and focused on reiterating previously discussed points. We have future bargaining dates on April 3 with the Conciliation Office from the Ministry of Labour and on April 7. 

Unit 6:

Your bargaining team was raring to go to the table Wednesday March 26, but the Employer cancelled at the eleventh hour citing fatigue due to an all night into the morning bargaining session with another Unit. They promised to be fully prepped and ready for our next table date on April 2 – we will hold them to that!

Take Action

1. SIGN UP FOR STRIKE BENEFITS AND PAY!

If you are a member in good standing and currently have a contract-in-hand, you are eligible for strike benefits and pay!

In order to qualify for Strike Pay, you must complete your Strike Pay Application Form!

Go to: weareuoft.com/3902-strike-pay-form/

Workers currently on payroll will receive a separate email in the next day or two with the link.

2. Picket Captain Training Sign Up

Location: CUPE 3902 Office, 376 Bathurst Street Suite 200, Second Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 2S6
Date: Saturday, March 29 from 1:00-4:00PM
How to register: Please send an email to sr4@cupe3902.org

3. Strike FAQ

Are we going on strike? Will I be paid while on strike? What should I tell my students? What does it mean to cross a picket line?

Find answers to these questions and more on our Strike FAQ!

4. E-ACTION for Supporters and Allies – “UofT: FAIR DEAL NOW!”

Share this E-Action with your friends, students, and colleagues so they can send a letter to UofT’s Governing Council to show solidarity with CUPE 3902 workers!