Bargaining Team Report on the Focused Proposals Package: March 7th 2024

Bargaining Team Report on the Focused Proposals Package

March 7, 2024

General Background

This past Sunday, March 3, members of the 3903 Bargaining Team met with Erinn White, the government-appointed conciliator. We emphasized the movement that we made at the table just before the strike started (a sign off and some counterproposals that the Employer has yet to respond to), noting that these are just some of the ways the Employer is stalling and refusing to bargain.

The Bargaining Team has been working hard to put together a comprehensive counteroffer to try to restart bargaining. Since our last General Membership Meeting on February 29, 2024, we’ve reviewed all the proposals to come up with focused packages on all-units and unit-specific proposals. Our method in the review has been to consider which of our proposals will benefit the most members; which of our proposals will benefit the most marginalized members in units 1, 2, and 3; which proposals represent what members have identified as red lines; where we have been seeing movement at the bargaining table; and where there has been no engagement from the Employer. We have streamlined and pared down our proposals package to include mostly high and medium priority proposals and/or proposals on which we have already had some movement from the Employer toward the Union’s position.

At the March 7 SGMM, we will be presenting a focused package for members’ approval. To make the package more comprehensible for members, we’ve prepared tables listing all of our remaining proposals in side-by-side comparison with the Employer’s responses: CUPE 3903 Proposals 2023–24 (simplified, by Unit)

Our new package consists of four sections, each of which we will be asking the membership to vote on: all-units proposals, Unit 1 proposals, Unit 2 proposals, and Unit 3 proposals. We are standing firm on some proposals, we are adjusting our asks on some proposals, and we are deciding that we have taken other proposals as far as we can for this round. Members can vote to approve the proposal packages as they currently stand or bring amendments to modify the content of the proposal packages. Once we have that approval from members, we will present it to the Employer through the Conciliator on Friday, March 8. 

All Units Proposals 

The All-Units Proposals section comprises all-units proposals on

  • Wages, benefits, funds, 
  • New supports and accommodations for members experiencing racial harassment, discrimination, and violence,
  • Other equity proposals

We have dropped or reduced many of our demands, including monetary demands. We have, for instance, dropped demands for significant increases to some Union funds (those that have comfortable and growing surpluses, including the SASSF and Trans Fund), accepted the Employer’s offer of a 1% yearly increase for the Professional Development and Equity Funds, and lowered or dropped some of our benefits demands( dropped automatic enrollment and addition of coverage for medical devices). 

In the all-units section of this package, you’ll see that we have not proposed any movement on wages. We have not proposed any movement because we understand wages are a top priority for members and therefore we need input from the membership to direct our wage strategy. 

There are many points of agreement across the 3903 Bargaining Team on wage strategy: (1) we do not think we should not move on our retroactive wages, which aim to address the unconstitutional effects of Bill 124; (2) we do not think we should not move on the eligibility for retroactive wages: all members who worked during the 2020-2023 collective agreement should be eligible for these retroactive increases, regardless of whether they currently have a contract. Where we have differing opinions and recommendations on the Bargaining Team is on the question of wages for the renewal Collective Agreement. In that case, there’s a difference of strategy about whether to reduce our ask, and whether this is the right moment to make such a move. This difference is a strategic question about timing and how we pressure the Employer to return to the bargaining table; it is not a disagreement about what wage increases the membership needs or deserves. 

Unit 1 Proposals

In speaking to members on the picket lines and at the Unit 1/Unit 3 Q&A session on March 5, many Unit 1 members expressed the need to hold firm for the time being on our current wage proposals (an all-units strategy question that will be decided upon by the whole membership). In turn, Unit 1 BT members have developed a focused proposal package to re-engage the employer by trimming down the number of Unit 1 proposals to make our monetary demands more viable. The Unit 1 members of the BT are attempting to prioritize proposals that generate the greatest benefit for the most members (such as wages and graduate funding) while also seeking protections for our marginalized members (such as international students). 

The Unit 1 membership identified wages and graduate funding as top priorities in the bargaining surveys conducted over the summer and in subsequent general membership meetings. Wages and graduate funding were unconstitutionally capped by Bill 124; hence, we are seeking significant increases — both retroactive and for the renewal collective agreement. We are proposing increases to the York Graduate Fellowship for international students to offset the exorbitantly high tuition fees they pay.

For the sake of reducing the size of our proposal package and focusing our monetary demands around priority areas (such as wages and graduate funding), Unit 1 is withdrawing the following proposals:

  • Article 15.15 – Increase the Research Costs Fund (#49)
  • Article 15.18 – Increase the Masters Bursary Fund (#50)
  • Rename and re-structure Article 10 (#65 and #68)
  • Article 12.03 – Ensure that accepting certain awards does not remove members from priority pool or bargaining unit (#70)
  • Article 14 – Include “mode of delivery” as part of academic freedom; give members right to determine mode of delivery (#71)
  • Article 15 – Flesh out intellectual property section to provide examples of “other creative output”

We are also amending our proposal (#51) on the York Fellowship (U1 Letter of Agreement “Additional Funding for Priority Pool Members”). We have withdrawn the aspects of the proposal that demand increases for the fellowship for domestic students. We have withdrawn the aspects of the proposal that increase the threshold at which “clawbacks” come into effect. We are still demanding an increase to the fellowship for international students to raise it up to $10,000 and we are still demanding that PhD 6 members of the priority pool be eligible for the fellowship. 

Unit 2 Proposals

The streamlined package of proposals specific to unit 2 is, based on what members have identified, and conversations amongst staff and BT members. Countering the JSP as offered by the employer has been named by members of U2 as one of the most substantial reasons we are striking. Accordingly, the new streamlined package includes our own ‘status quo’ proposals (73). We are standing firm on a number of proposals: Continuation of Library and Email services (61); Workload (74); Experience credit for participation (15.10), Marker/grader entitlements (and tutor 3 definitions, 92 + 62); proposals around Nursing (77, 76) and Kinesiology (LOU and LOI); improved access to the PER (86); Post-retirement benefits, which we’ve included in the larger benefits package (88); and Compensation for restructuring, which is particularly important in this moment for the whole of Unity 2 (92), 

We are proposing to sign off on the Request to design a course proposal (80). We are looking for direction from the U2 members of 3903 on Foundation course design (63), and Class sizes (64). 

For the sake of reducing the size of our proposal package and focusing our monetary demands around priority areas (such as wages and job stability), Unit 2 members are withdrawing the following proposals:

  • 10.04.7 Enrollment cancellation fee for Music Tutors
  • 15.15 Research Leaves
  • 15.16 Research Grants Fund
  • 15.17 Conference Travel Fund
  • 15.22 Tuition Waiver for Spouses and Dependents
  • 15.32 Credentials Leave
  • 24.02 Term of LSTAS and Compensation (adding timeline for notifications, etc.)

Unit 3 Proposals

Unit 3 has been waiting for a response from the Employer on the proposals that we sent them in February. This package, sent before the beginning of the strike, was already a “focused package,” so we have been awaiting response from the Employer since then. Throughout the bargaining sessions, the Employer had very little engagement with the Unit 3 proposals. We have just received a new package from the employer today which we haven’t got a chance to review. We have our own streamlined proposals we will plan to present to the employer tomorrow. We made a small yet important rewording to ensure that both YUFA faculty and 3903 course directors are eligible to apply for the GAT Fund. The changes were already reflected in the Memorandum of Settlement and the Letter of Agreement that was sent to the employer.  

Furthemore, Unit 3 has also withdrawn the following pieces from our Memorandum of Settlement with regards to the GATF Grievance:

  1. The Employer shall make a public declaration acknowledging that it misled both the Union and the wider York Community regarding the financial implications of hiring a Graduate Assistant, thereby leading to the mismanagement of the GATF. 
  2. The Employer shall remit a penalty amounting to $50,000 to the Master’s Bursary Fund. FGS will dispense a $2000 award from the Master’s Bursary Fund for non-priority pool Unit 3 bargaining unit members who receive a Graduate Assistantship, until such a time that the $50,000 has been expended.

Support Striking Workers at York University!

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Looking for ways to support contract faculty, graduate/research assistants and teaching assistants at York University?  WE LOVE THAT! 

Contract faculty, Teaching Assistants and Graduate Assistants at York University are on strike since February 26th, 2024. We are asking for decent wages, job security and work-place protections in our fight for a more affordable and accessible high-quality education for all. 

Click here to learn about our bargaining priorities!

Despite our legitimate proposals, the employer remains intransigent on priority issues.

We appeal to you for solidarity in our labour action to support us in securing a fair deal that makes high quality education at York University more affordable, more accessible and more equitable for everyone!

There’s many ways to support us, and any support is deeply appreciated!

  1. You can express your solidarity by donating (via e-transfer) to: cupe3903strikesolidarity@gmail.com.Please write: Strike Solidarity in the memo.Alternatively, you can mail paper cheques to our strike headquarters at:

    CUPE 3903 Strike Headquarters
    208-20 DeBoers Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 0H1.

  2. Please participate in our email campaign telling President Lenton and six members of the York University Senior Administration to bargain fairly : https://weareyork.ca
  3. Letters of solidarity mean a lot to us, as unionists we know our strength is in our numbers! If you would like to share a letter of solidarity with us please email Erin, cupe3903comms@gmail.com
  4. Join our picket lines! WE LOVE VISITORS! If you’re a student or community member joining our lines, please let someone in an orange vest know so that the picket captain can let you know safety protocols. If you would like to schedule a formal visit please email Vanessa, recsec.cupe3903@gmail.com

Thank you for your support. 

Bargaining Team Report: Feb 28th-March 3rd

Employer Preoccupied with Misinformation and Stalling, while BT Hits the Picket Lines

BT Update — March 3, 2024

Since we began bargaining in June 2023, the Employer has repeatedly attempted to unilaterally define what bargaining is and how it works. Early on they told us that they would not engage with our monetary proposals (such as wages and benefits) until we had given them all of our non-monetary proposals. Now they have reversed their position, communicating via the Conciliator that they will not come to the table to negotiate other proposals until we lower our wage demands, while publicly pointing to “the advice of the provincially appointed conciliation officer” to justify their refusal to come to the table. Today the bargaining team met with the Conciliator and reiterated that we are ready to bargain at any time. We also pointed out that the two sides had reached substantial agreement on important equity and other proposals before talks broke off nine days ago, and that we could be meeting to resolve these non-monetary issues. The CUPE 3903 bargaining team intends to present unit-specific and all-units focused proposal packages to the membership at the next Strike SGMM. Meanwhile, we will continue to signal our willingness to bargain and call on the Employer to come to the table this week.

Upcoming Meetings and Events:

Join us for the next BT prep meeting from 10 AM to 5 PM on Tuesday, March 5.

We are hosting a Unit 1 and Unit 3 town hall on Tuesday, March 5 from 5 to 7 PM (a.k.a. “Teaching/Graduate/Research Assistant Q&A”).

Join us for the Unit 2 town hall at 5 PM on Wednesday, March 6.

Finally, the next Strike SGMM will be held on March 7, 5 to 8 PM; please register in advance.

Bargaining Team Report for Friday, March 1, 2024

While the Employer has stated that they will not meet until we move on wages, the Bargaining Team intends to motivate the Employer to return to the table by preparing a focused proposal package for next week. We plan to meet with the Conciliator as soon as possible (a meeting is being scheduled for this Sunday). And we are preparing for two upcoming Q & A sessions, one for international students and one for members of Unit 1 and Unit 3.

Bargaining Team Report for Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Strike to Win! 

On Monday, February 26, our members showed up in large numbers to kick off the strike rally. Our members, who make up more than half of the teaching community at York University, affirmed that We Are York. We made clear that we are fighting for fair compensation, job protection, and equity in the workplace, and that for many of our members, this strike is about survival. While York gives senior administrators significant pay raises, sometimes 20 to 30 percent, our members are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to pay for rent, groceries, and other necessities.

Spreading Misinformation and Stalling Negotiations

Unfortunately, instead of returning to the bargaining table, the Employer has been focused on spreading misinformation, stoking fear, and has continued their practice of interfering in academic freedom. 

At its core, bargaining has stalled due to the employer’s reluctance to adjust their wage proposals. While CUPE 3903 has decreased its wage demands in good faith by a total of 6%, the employer merely increased by 1.75%. By refusing to continue bargaining until we move on wages, the Employer is treating our equity demands as pawns. These include important protections for members experiencing racialized violence and discrimination in the workplace. 

What’s Next?

Members of the Bargaining Team have been out on the picket lines this week, both walking the lines with our departments and visiting other lines, individually and together, to answer members’ questions and listen to their ideas about bargaining. We have also been working to streamline and focus our proposals into a comprehensive package to try to re-engage the employer. 

Although no bargaining is currently taking place it might resume at any time. We will provide as much notice as possible when this happens. 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.

Join us at our next Bargaining Team Preparatory Meeting on Friday, March 1, 4:00–6:00 PM to discuss the latest developments in bargaining for Units 1, 2, and 3, and strategize the next steps. All members are welcome!

Please also mark your calendar for the following important meetings being hosted by members of the Bargaining Team:

All International students are welcome to a recurring International Student Q&A to get to know your Union. The first one takes place on Sunday, March 3 from 3:00–5:00 PM. Do you have questions about the strike, questions about strike pay, or questions about the hardship fund? We can help. We also want to make this into an e-social, so please—all International students—do attend. We are your Union! Let’s get to know each other.

We are also hosting a Teaching Assistant / Graduate Assistant Q&A for Unit 1 and Unit 3 members on Tuesday, March 5 from 5:00–7:00 PM to take questions about the bargaining process, how striking works, and your rights during a strike, as well as to address and discuss bargaining priorities moving forward. 

Finally, the bargaining team will continue to be out on the picket line with you! If you see us, ask us questions about bargaining, chat with us about the strike, and get to know us better. We’re looking forward to meeting you all! 

Keep an eye on 3903.cupe.ca/calendar for all the latest events and meetings.

Don’t forget that all members are welcome to participate in twice-weekly Strike Committee Meetings, including Friday, March 1 from 2:00–4:00 PM and Tuesday, March 5, 4:00–6:00 PM (link forthcoming).

Workers and leaders from universities across Ontario to join striking York academic workers Friday

TORONTO – On the fifth day of their strike to make working and studying at York University more affordable, members of CUPE 3903 will be joined on the picket line by leaders from university academic and support unions across Ontario.

“We are proud to stand with academic workers at York University in their struggle to improve affordability, equity and quality of education,” said David Simao, chair of CUPE’s Ontario University Workers Coordinating Committee. “University workers have been hit hard by the increasingly corporate nature of schools, massive funding cuts by the provincial government and stagnant wages because of Ontario’s unconstitutional Bill 124. The fight at York is one shared by workers across the province.”

Students, workers and labour leaders will join the picket line at York Boulevard and Keele Street at 10:30 AM on Friday. The group will include worker representatives from universities including Toronto, Western, Carleton, Ottawa, Queen’s, Windsor, Guelph, McMaster, Brock and Waterloo.

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For more information, contact:
Craig Saunders, CUPE Communications | 416-576-7316 | csaunders@cupe.ca
Erin McIntosh, CUPE 3903 Communications Officer | 647-693-1500 | cupe3903comms@gmail.com

Nominations Open to protem for Vacancies on Bargaining Team and Executive Committee

The as directed by the members at the February 29th Strike Special General Membership Meeting, Executive Committee is opening nominations for candidates to fill two vacancies on the Executive Committee and two vacancies on the Bargaining Team on February 29th. Nomination period will last 6 days, with the vote happening during the March 7th Strike Special General Membership Meeting.

Two positions remain open on the Executive and One on the Bargaining Team for members in good standing of the relevant bargaining unit:

VP Unit 1
VP Unit 2
BT Unit 3

The one position on the Bargaining Team are available to members in good standing of any CUPE 3903 bargaining unit:

Bargaining Team Recording Secretary

For more information or to nominate yourself, please email Imran Syed (Lead Steward Unit 3) at cupe3903csu3@gmail.com by March 6th at 5:00 p.m.

Results: Open Positions on Executive and BT

The Executive Committee decided to open nominations for candidates to fill two vacancies on the Executive Committee and two vacancies on the Bargaining Team, as per Article 14 V.(b) of the bylaws on February 12th. On February 26th, nominations closed.

Nominations for the following 3 positions were un-challenged, and thus acclaimed:

Chair: Mackenzie Edwards
Lead Steward Unit 4: Susan Bryant
Bargaining Team Unit 2: Joseph Tohill

Childcare Strike FAQ

As you may have heard today, CUPE 3903, the union representing contract faculty, teaching assistants, graduate assistants, and part-time librarians and archivists, have voted to go on strike effective Monday, February 26th at 12:01am. There will be a rally on Monday (no pickets), and picket lines will begin on Tuesday, February 27th from 7:30 am – 3:30pm 

For childcare drop off and pick up, please try to enter the campus at Sentinel and Pond road OR Keele and pond road, and show picketers your picket pass. Let them know you are a childcare worker or doing childcare drop off and you will be let through quickly. 

Please have patience with us the first week (and always 🙂 ) as we sort out the logistics. A best laid plan always has some problems once implemented! 

Childcare is incredibly important to us at CUPE 3903. Did you know that not only does CUPE 3903 provide subsidy to its members for childcare here at Lee Wiggins, but it also provides a separate pool of money to help fund the Centre’s operations? This annual $50,000 contribution was won through previous negotiations and maintained/increased through CUPE 3903 strikes! We will do our best to to minimize the impact of the strike on childcare workers and families here on campus. 

Here are some FAQ:

Who is CUPE 3903 and who will be on strike? 

CUPE 3903 is one of the unions on campus; it represents four groups of workers: Unit 1 (Teaching Assistants), Unit 2 (Contract Faculty), Unit 3 (Graduate/Research Assistants), and Unit 4 (part-time librarians and archivists). Units 1, 2, and 3 have voted to go on strike. 

How does this affect drop off and pick up? 

CUPE 3903 will hold picket lines from 7:30 am – 3:30pm. This will cause some delay in entering the campus for childcare drop-off and pick-up (unless pick up occurs after 3:30pm). Parents and childcare workers are encouraged to use their picket pass (either a physical copy or digital copy to show the picketers) to be expedited through the picket line. 

Where should I enter campus?

Please enter campus using one of two picket lines: the Sentinel road / Pond road entrance or the Keele road and Pond road entrance. Picketers at these entrances will be advised to fast track folks with a picket pass through an expedited line. 

How long will this last? 

We’re not sure! As long as it takes to get a good contract. CUPE 3903 is committed to bargaining with the employer until the membership votes to ratify a new contract. Unfortunately, we cannot predict how long that will take, but we certainly would like it to be sooner rather than later! 

Where can I get more information on the strike? 

You can find more information and regular updates on the strike on the CUPE 3903 website at https://3903.cupe.ca/ .  Additionally, you can scan the QR code on the Picket Pass for our “Strike Information” page that will be continuously updated.

Strike FAQ for Students

Strike FAQ for Students

Your learning experience is our teaching experience.

CUPE 3903 voted to strike starting on Monday, February 26th.

In contract negotiations, two sides bargain to reach an agreement. CUPE 3903 units that represent Contract Faculty, Teaching Assistants and Graduate/Research Assistants have been without a contract since August 31, 2023. We have been meeting with York and attempting to negotiate new contracts since June. In January 2024, negotiations continued with the help of a government-appointed mediator. Despite all this York University refuses to engage fairly with all of our main proposals – proposals that help make the university better for you too! 

We are not just fighting for ourselves – we are fighting for smaller classes, a reduced workload, and a guaranteed turnaround time on grading so you get more one-on-one attention from people with the time to devote to your education and return your graded assignments within a guaranteed, defined timeframe.

If York management negotiates fairly and offers a deal that is acceptable to the bargaining team and the membership between now and Monday, then this strike can be avoided. If York continues to negotiate as they have been to date, we cannot avoid a strike.

Tell York University administration to negotiate a fair contract with CUPE 3903! Add your name and email Senior York University Administration at https://weareyork.ca/

General Strike Info

Who is on strike?

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3903 (CUPE 3903) is on strike. We are the union that represents contract faculty, teaching assistants, graduate assistants, and part-time librarians and archivists at York University. This includes over 50% of your undergraduate course instructors, who are contract faculty and graduate students at York. Collectively, we fight for better working conditions and decent wages for the majority of the educators at York University, providing better quality and more accessible undergraduate and graduate education for all members of the York community.

What does a strike mean?

A strike is the ultimate last resort when an employer is not willing to bargain. It is a complete work stoppage and withdrawal of labour that forces the employer to take bargaining seriously. It is the only way for workers to exercise collective power against an employer that otherwise holds a lot of power over them.

Concretely, when educational workers are on strike, this means that they are no longer teaching, marking assignments, answering course content questions over email, holding labs, or any other duties relating to their employment. All programs, placements and classes taught by CUPE 3903 members will stop. While you may have access to eClass, no new content or assessments will be posted for the duration of the strike. CUPE members will not be responding to emails regarding their courses but can respond to general questions about the strike.

What is the strike about?

Our Working Conditions Are Students’ Learning Conditions

Members of CUPE 3903 are the instructors and educators that students interact with most! Improving our working conditions has a direct impact on students’ learning conditions.

In this round, we have made proposals to address class sizes, workload, and grading turnaround times, so that students can get their grades more regularly and get more one-on-one instructor attention. These are proposals York has refused to discuss to date.

Supporting workers through decent wages, job stability, and protections that directly contribute to a robust and inclusive educational experience for students and workers alike. These proposals will not only uplift the university workers but will also safeguard the educational quality that is integral to the reputation of York University.

Addressing the Cost-of-Living Crisis

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone, but it is hitting those already in vulnerable positions the most. Between the cost of living increased by 15.8% and wage increases being capped at 1% for the past three years due to the Ford government’s Bill 124, which has since been found unconstitutional, the real wages (adjusted for inflation) that precariously employed academics earn for their work have dropped drastically. Inadequate wages impact us every day—at the grocery store, at the rental office, and the pharmacy. We need not only substantial increases in wages and graduate funding but also significant increases in our health benefits and other funds that we rely on to make ends meet.

Ensuring Job Stability

Did you know contract faculty (members of CUPE 3903 Unit 2) have to re-apply every few months for courses they’ve often taught for years? York relies on precarious contract labour for more than half of its teaching needs yet resists recognizing the value of that work. Job stability and equitable hiring also improve students’ learning experiences by giving instructors more time to plan courses and creating an overall better learning environment at York University.

Worker and Student Protections

We have proposed a better process for dealing with discrimination and harassment cases, ways to improve the workplace accommodations process for members with disabilities, an accommodations process, supports for members experiencing racialized violence, and a new mediation-arbitration process so grievances can be resolved faster. These proposals help make the university a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone! And these are just some of the union’s proposals!

Why does this matter to me?

We are fighting for smaller classes, a reduced workload, and a guaranteed turnaround time on grading – so you get more one-on-one attention from instructors and TAs with time to devote to your education and return your graded assignments within a guaranteed, defined timeframe.

But the biggest reason to care is that York can’t deliver a good education without TAs, Course Directors, and Graduate/Research Assistants. We prep your course materials, teach your classes, supervise your labs, run your tutorials, invigilate your exams, grade your assignments, and answer your emails. The problems that union members face (big classes, growing tutorials and labs, mounting debt, overwork, etc.) make it hard for us to teach to our potential – and for you to learn!

The administration is more likely to take steps to improve working conditions and education at York if they see that undergrads and graduate students are united and are advocating on each other’s behalf.  We’re stronger together!

Can York afford to meet the union’s demands?

Our demands do not place an undue burden on the university and would not result in higher tuition fees for undergraduate students. Administration salaries at York have ballooned as the government continues to cut funding – since 2018, the size of the senior administration team and its compensation (salary, benefits, bonuses and stipends) increased by 37% and 47%, respectively.

A decent contract doesn’t cause tuition fees to increase. Tuition fees increase because of government cuts to education funding and bad financial priorities by the University. Thirty years ago, about 80 percent of a university’s operating budget was covered by government funding. Today, government funding only covers about 50 percent. To make up the difference, universities have forced students to pay higher and higher tuition fees – creating massive debt for students while at the same time threatening the quality of their education.

How will it affect me?

CUPE 3903’s position is that it is unfair to students to try to hold classes while most of their instructors are on strike. However, it may the the case that some classes are still forced to run, this will be determined on a department to department basis.  All students should know that they are protected from academic reprisals by a York Senate policy should they refuse to cross picket lines. Crossing picket lines undermines the effectiveness of a strike and is therefore likely to prolong it.

Hopefully, York will come to the table to bargain fairly and the strike will be short. One point of agreement between the university and CUPE 3903 is that we do not want to disrupt our students’ studies any more than strictly necessary. After a strike, we will work to complete the semester as efficiently as possible.

Can I still contact my professors/TAs at this time?

Your professors/TAs will not be answering emails about coursework during the strike. But they can still communicate with you about non-coursework related things like the strike.

Can I still access YFS services/mental health supports/academic advising/school events during this time?

Yes. The York Federation of Students (YFS) provides a range of services that its 53,000 members rely on. During the strike, the unionized staff members of the YFS (represented by CUPE 1281) are not crossing picket lines. But, important services like the YFS Food Bank, the YFS Members’ Services Office (which distributes TTC tokens and passes), the YFS Printing Resource Centre, and YFS Access Centre will continue to operate. YFS members should feel free to access these services.

I live on campus. Will the strike prevent me from accessing housing, services, or facilities on campus?

No, you will be able to use housing services and access facilities as normal. Please notice that services such as Tait Mckenzie Centre, York Lanes, or other campus facilities might be affected due to the picket lines. CUPE 3903 will ensure medical and childcare services see no disruption and community members are able to access those without any barriers. You will still be able to come and go around campus.

How long could a strike last?

Typically, most university strikes have lasted a few weeks. Historically, strikes have been resolved in time for term completion. While York has had some lengthy strikes in the past, no term has ever been lost due to a strike.

But the short answer is: we don’t know. We need a fair deal and want this to end as soon as possible so that we can get back to work.

We are not the only union voting to strike. At York, CUPE Local 1356-2 have also voted in favour of strike action. UofT’s CUPE 3902 has also voted to strike, while both the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association have had strong strike votes. Historically, having many unions in the sector striking at once has contributed to shorter strikes – it’s strength in numbers!

End of a strike

What happens when we come back after a strike? What happens to the term? How will the classes be made up?

Thankfully, no term has ever been lost due to a strike. After the strike, we will work to complete the semester as efficiently as possible.

As noted above, all students are protected from academic reprisals by a York Senate policy should they refuse to cross picket lines. We encourage every student to exercise this right.

In the past, after a strike course instructors and TAs ensured that all necessary and required content to meet course learning outcomes was delivered. Professors will re-work the course plan to reach the learning objectives for the course. Assignments may be reduced or redesigned with new due dates.

Getting Involved

Can I join the picket line? 

Yes, by all means! Our members would appreciate your support. Information about picketing and other strike-related events will be posted regularly on the CUPE 3903 website.

When you arrive, please identify yourself to the picket captain so they can inform you about safety protocols. If you don’t know who that is, ask a CUPE member!

What else can I do to help? 

  • Stay informed! You can sign up to get the latest updates right in your inbox.
  • Let other students know how to find this information along with our bargaining updates
  • Send an email to President Lenton and other Senior Administrators to show your support at: https://weareyork.ca/
  • Call President Lenton’s office at (416) 736-5200 to tell her you support your professors, contract instructors, and teaching assistants. Ask her why the university can’t sign a fair contract with CUPE 3903 now.
  • Talk to your fellow students about the issues and organize a show of solidarity.
  • Come visit us on the picket line! We love visitors, but please identify yourself to the picket captain so they can update you on safety protocols.
  • Follow us on Twitter/X (@cupe3903comms), Facebook (@CUPE3903), and Instagram (@cupe3903) for on-the-go updates.

Sources

https://www.opseu110.ca/student-faq-strike-deadline/
https://web.archive.org/web/20180813072045/http://betteryork.ca/faqs/
https://3903.cupe.ca/files/3903archive/3903old.cupe.ca/bargaininghome/undergrads.html
https://www.funscad.ca/?page_id=255
https://3903.cupe.ca/students/

Picket Line Assignments

There are seven picket lines on Keele Campus and one at Glendon Campus. Wondering where you should go? Below is a list of picket line assignments, separated by department. You can picket with the department you work in, or your graduate program (for Unit 1 and 3 members).

A note on picket line types: The list below indicates whether the line is “hard” or “soft”. A hard picket does not let any cars through (with some exceptions at Pond Road), whereas a soft picket delays cars coming into campus.

Picket Line Assignments

Pond Road

Critical Disability Studies
DLLL
English
Health
Kinesiology
STS
Theatre

Main Gate (York Blvd)

Communication & Culture
Cultural Studies
Dance
Development Studies
Natural Science
Social Science
SPT
Socio-legal Studies
Visual Arts
All others not assigned

Chimneystack Road

Art History
Cinema and Media Arts
GFWS/GSWS
History
Math & Stats
Psychology

Founders Road

Chemistry
Education
EUC
ESSE
MECH
Physics & Astronomy
Teaching Commons

Northwest Gate/Howard Moscoe (Pioneer Village Subway Station)

Anthropology
Biology
Civil Engineering
EECS
French Studies
Information Technology
Music
Nursing

Shoreham Drive

Design
Economics
Equity Studies
Law
Public Policy & Admin
Sociology
Writing Centre

Sentinel Road

Humanities
Philosophy
Politics
Schulich
Social Work

Glendon Campus

All members at Glendon
Any volunteers who like trees!

Bargaining Team Report for Friday, February 23, 2024

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.