A lock out of 2,400 Teaching Assistants at the University of Toronto that began January 7 has ended, after the members of CUPE 3902 ratified a new two-year deal.
While the contentious issue of tuition rebates was not directly addressed, the settlement provides for a signing bonus of up to $525 – which more than covers the TAs’ $420 tuition increase for 1999-2000.
In addition, the TAs won a wage increase of 2.75 per cent and 2 per cent over two years, and doubled their dental benefits.
CUPE has also won a key position on a university task force that will be looking into financial support for grad students beginning this fall. Also, for the first time ever, Local 3902 has secured a paid union position from the university.
Graduate Assistants, members of CUPE 3907, have also ratified a similar two-year deal, narrowly averting a strike. U of T library workers, CUPE 1230, also ratified a new deal this week.