While President Rhonda Lenton and senior administrators, Lisa Phillips and others, claim to be making structural changes with respect to anti-Black racism at York University, they have attempted to fire Professor Aimé Avolonto, who teaches in the Department of French Studies, Glendon College. Professor Avolonto, who is Black and an Associate Professor, originally asked for an investigation into anti-black racism in his department. In 2017, he wrote to then-Provost, Rhonda Lenton. However, the victim of racism, has now become the target of York University’s President and senior administration. They have tried to suppress, deny, ignore and dismiss his claims without a fair or proper investigation, going so far at to attempt to fire him. Read Professor Avolonto’s allegations in his Letter from a Black colleague.

https://www.teachingwhileblack.ca/post/letter-from-a-black-colleague

On April 6th, the Employer filed for conciliation with Units 1, 2, and 3, despite ongoing progress at the bargaining table. The CUPE 3903 Bargaining Team is disappointed in this decision, which raises serious doubts about the Employer’s commitment to good faith bargaining.

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York University administration implicated in anti-Black racism cover-up

Black professor facing termination for speaking out against racism to detail allegations at press conference

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On March 27, the CUPE 3903 Bargaining Team (BT) met with mediator Chris Albertyn. Discussions focused on security for members up to and after retirement, and the Employer’s responsibility to collect and share data under Unit 2 Article 5.03.

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The Bargaining Team (BT) met with the Employer on Tuesday February March 23th. The Employer presented an inadequate counter for Unit 3 and the BT dedicated the rest of the session to a discussion of financial items after adjourning with the Employer. We would like to thank members in the room for attending as observers, as per our open bargaining practice.

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Lee Wiggins Childcare Centre located in the First Student Centre Building at York University, Keele Campus is offering CUPE 3903 members a 50-75% subsidy discount on top of their fees. Full-time fees are already reduced by 25% off until August 31, 2021.

If members enrol with Lee Wiggins Childcare Centre for full-time care, they will receive 25% off the initial price ($1,375 – Preschool, $1,440 – Toddler), with an additional 75% off CUPE 3903 Subsidy. Therefore, preschool fees would be as low as $257.81 per month.

At the end of their fiscal year, any remaining amounts left over from the centre’s CUPE 3903 funding is refunded and distributed to families based on care used.

Members could visit www.yorkuchildcare.ca for up-to-date information.

We are hosting a  Bargaining Special General Membership Meeting via Zoom! At this meeting, the Bargaining Team will be presenting updates and discuss strategy for next steps in bargaining. All members are encouraged to attend.

Keep reading for tentative agenda and more.

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A vacancy has opened up for one position on the Extended Health Benefits committee. Information on the committee can be found on the Committees page, and interested members can email the VPU1 at cupe3903vpu1@gmail.com for more information or to nominate themselves. Nominations close Friday April 9, 5pm.

Navi Dhanota has withdrawn their nomination for TFAC Co-Chair. This means that Kelsey Ioannoni and Thania Vega have been acclaimed to the position and will serve as TFAC Co-Chairs for the 2021-2022 term. Many thanks to everyone who showed interest in this important position.

Fardosa and Megan
TFAC Election Officers