The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) announced on May 27 that it was making emergency funds available to alleviate the financial difficulties caused by their payroll error. Here are the instructions we have received at this point in time:
- Fill out the Emergency Bursary Application.
- Draft a letter outlining your circumstances (max 2 pages).
- Compile documentation which supports your circumstances (FGS gives the example of rent receipts).
- Bring all three (application, letter, and documentation) in person to FGS (230 York Lanes). N.B: We have received clarification from Dean Crow that these forms can also be emailed to fgssao@yorku.ca.
This process is of course wildly inadequate. The level of documentation required and the in-person requirement makes this an onerous task. We are committed to helping members fill and submit these applications. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact cupe3903comms@gmail.com, cupe3903csu1@gmail.com, recsec.cupe3903@gmail.com, or drop by the 3903 office (143 Atkinson).
Furthermore, whether or not members have “sufficient need” for immediate funds is irrelevant. The employer has an obligation to pay all employees on time and in full. The invasive questions such as “What attempts have been made to reduce expenses or secure other funding?” are deeply insulting.
What is needed is not the policing of our members’ income and financial management. There needs to be a penalty for such a massive mistake. On May 28, Barbara Crow, Dean of Graduate Studies, stated that the employer will be paying a penalty into our Ways and Means Fund. We look forward to receiving these funds.