Run for the Bargaining Team! Nominations Close March 9

The nominations for all bargaining team positions for Units 1, 2, and 3 have been reopened and will close on March 9th at 12pm. To nominate yourself, be sure to read the instructions closely and provide a full nomination before the deadline.

Read more about the reopening of the nominations and nomination instructions. 

Hear What Previous BT Members Have to Say!

Interested in running for bargaining team, but not sure what it’s like? Below you will find pictures of quotes from previous bargaining team members, as well as transcripts of these quotes.

Alison, Former Bargaining Team Member


I joined the BT in 2000 when graduate assistants (now Unit 3) had just unionized. We negotiated a strong first collective agreement that not only benefited our members but also that spilled over into other unions. My experience as a BT member taught me a lot, led to life long friendships, and a strong community at a commuter university where it can be difficult to cultivate those relationships. It also eventually led me to pursue a career in union side labour relations.

Niloo, Former Bargaining Team Member

I’ve been part of the BT twice. Negotiations with the employer can, at times, be challenging and stressful, but we always worked alongside union exec, staff, legal counsel, and other members which made the workload manageable. Our local raises the bar for other unions, and I am proud to have played a key role in the fight to improve the learning conditions at York. I carry what I learned as a BT member with me n other union and activist spaces.

Julian, Former Bargaining Team Member

It is nowhere near as daunting as it may at first seem. It is, in fact, a great experience. You also pick up a ton pf labour relations knowledge. Being at the bargaining table and working in collaboration with the BT members from other units means you get to know your own contracts and those of the other units inside out. That is helpful for anyone, but I found it particularly useful when I transitioned from Unit 1 to Unit 2.

Stef, Former Bargaining Team Member

Our local has a long history of open bargaining. It strengthens our position at the table when the boss has to negotiate directly with the rank and file and not with the union exec and staff they are already familiar with. Last round, we made gains for our funds because members of the BT could speak directly to how those funds help us make ends meet. Joining the BT is a great way to be heard and to make a difference.

Lina, Former Bargaining Team Member

Participating in bargaining is not only a great way to get involved in making decisions about your workplace, it also allows you to learn about what your union does, how it operates, and the kinds of hard-fought protections afforded to s by our collective agreement. Having served on the BT in two separate rounds, my time there was a real learning experience and I hope to do it again in the future.