Bargaining Bulletin #9
Strike deadline around the corner for Units 2, 3, and 7!
We only have updates for Unit 7 for this issue, but remember that the strike deadline for Units 2, 3, and 7 is April 1!
All in all, we have five units engaged together in coordinated bargaining, five units with one voice: No concessions, no units left behind!
Updates from the table for Unit 7
Your Unit 7 bargaining team tabled our response to the Employer’s second full-package on Friday, March 28th. In it, we proposed language to address two key outstanding issues: Clawbacks and Calculations.
At OISE, when a GA gets external scholarships (like OGS) whose combined value is equal or greater than your GAship, you lose your GAship (it gets “clawed back”). The biggest problem workers face with GAship clawbacks due to receiving external awards is losing their Unit 7 member benefits, including the Health Care Top-Up Plan.
OISE said that they intend to claw back as much work as possible from our funding packages to save money on their end. So, to limit the negative effects of these clawbacks, we proposed that GAs are able to retain access to the Unit 7 Health Care Top-Up Plan.
We also sought to reduce the amount of GA work that counts towards your funding package (funding calculation). While Teaching Assistants and Course Instructors (Unit 1) have had their funding calculation reduced year over year—which means more money in their pockets—our calculation hasn’t changed since 2009!
We still have one more day at the bargaining table (March 31st) before our April 1st strike deadline. We should stay positive, as there is still time for the Employer to agree to a reasonable way forward. However, to make sure that we have all our bases covered, do not forget to sign up for strike pay, if you haven’t done so already (scan the QR code on the next page to sign up).
Take action and stay informed!
1. Info Picket at 89 Chestnut: Monday March 31
March 31 is the final day of bargaining before the strike deadline for Units 2, 3, and 7, so let’s show the Employer that they have one last chance to come to the table in good faith and agree to a fair deal! They will be inside the Chestnut Residence and Conference Centre, but let’s make sure they know we’re united for a fair deal!
When: Monday, March 31 at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Outside the Chestnut Residence and Conference Centre (89 Chestnut St.)
What else: FREE COFFEE!
2. Sign up for Strike Pay & Benefits!
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!
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. Picket Captain Training Sign Up
When: Monday, March 31 10:00am
Where: 89 Chestnut Street, Toronto, ON
How to register: Please send RSVP to sr4@cupe3902.org
5. 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!
