Zero Movement from Employer — CUPE 3903 on Strike Monday, February 26
Bargaining Team Report for Friday, February 23, 2024
In the crucial hours of what was supposed to be the final scheduled bargaining meeting in advance of CUPE 3903’s strike deadline, the Employer tabled not a single proposal over five hours, squandering another opportunity to avert a strike. The CUPE 3903 Bargaining Team made use of the time by presenting a counter-proposal and a sign-off (agreement with the Employer) on another proposal. We even indicated to the Conciliator that the Bargaining Team is available to continue bargaining into Friday evening or on the weekend—as long as the Employer is willing to make a serious offer. The glaring inaction by the Employer demonstrates their blatant disinterest in making any real effort to avoid Monday’s strike. We remain committed to a negotiated settlement and are ready to return to the table as soon as the Employer is willing to do so.
Three Units of CUPE 3903 Vote in Favour of Strike Action
On the morning of Friday, February 23, a strong majority of CUPE 3903 members in Units 1, 2, and 3 voted in favour of taking strike action as of Monday, February 26, at 12:01 AM. During a three-hour Emergency General Membership Meeting, members made this very important yet difficult decision because the key bargaining issues, especially those tied to compensation and job security, are about survival. After eight months of bargaining, this is the situation we’re in: a university run by an administration that will happily give itself massive raises while our members increasingly rely on food banks.
For more information on what strike action starting Monday will mean, read our Strike FAQ 2024.
Employer Chooses No Movement over Averting Strike
After spreading misinformation earlier in the week that insinuated that CUPE 3903 had cancelled Friday’s bargaining session (which we promptly responded to), the Employer did not table a single proposal or response for the entirety of the five hours of bargaining on Friday afternoon. In contrast, the union agreed to a proposal regarding the printing of collective agreements and a counter on credit for participation for Units 1 and 2. We also reiterated the need to see serious movement on wages and benefits, the inclusion of the Graduate Financial Assistance (GFA) in the Unit 1 and Unit 3 wage increases, and the withdrawal of the Employer’s Job Stability Program (JSP) proposal in order to reach a deal.
A negotiated agreement is within reach. We invite the Employer to return to the table as soon as this weekend–as long as they are ready to actually bargain.
What’s Next?
Picket lines will go up on Monday, February 26, and the workers will be joined by faculty, other campus workers, students and labour leaders at 11:00 AM for a rally outside York University subway station. Urge your department councils to pass motions to suspend all classes until the strike is over.
We need volunteers to help support strike action preparation and join various subcommittees. Some possible roles you can fill are picket captains and strike coordinators but a full list of subcommittees can be found in Article 10 of our Strike Policy. Please take a look and let us know what role excites you most!
There is an Emergency Strike Committee Meeting taking place tomorrow (Saturday), February 24 at 11 AM. This emergency meeting is being called specifically to discuss strike logistics. All members welcome!
We are also hosting a Bargaining Q & A on Sunday, February 25 from 4:00 to 5:30 PM for members who want to meet with the bargaining team and ask us any questions about the bargaining process.
Finally, please sign this petition and tell the York University Senior Administration to support wages, job stability and protections that provide an accessible, high quality education to all!
Open Bargaining
Our union practices open bargaining, meaning all meetings of the Bargaining Team—including our face-to-face meetings with the Employer’s bargaining team—are open to all members of CUPE 3903. Members are encouraged to attend both our Bargaining Team meetings, which take place online, and our meetings with the Employer, which usually take place in a hybrid format. As of this week, in-person bargaining meetings with the Employer will be held at Ministry of Labour offices on the 8th floor of 400 University Avenue. This location is fully accessible and close to St. Patrick subway station. As members of CUPE 3903, you are free to come and go from any of our meetings as your schedules allow. Check the calendar on the CUPE 3903 website for any updates or changes.
Upcoming Bargaining Meetings
Unfortunately meetings may arise with less notice during a strike in order to keep things moving. We will provide as much notice as possible. Keep an eye on 3903.cupe.ca/calendar for all the latest events and meetings.