York University has agreed to return to the bargaining table, more than two weeks after members of CUPE 3903 took strike action to defend quality education and create a less precarious working environment on campus.
“Now that York University has finally agreed to a resumption of bargaining, we are hopeful that the parties can resolve the outstanding issues and life can return to normal for the entire campus community,” said CUPE 3903 Chairperson Devin Lefebvre.
“I am optimistic that if both parties come to the table tomorrow prepared to do the necessary work, we can achieve a negotiated settlement that all parties can live with,” he added.
The parties are scheduled to meet tomorrow morning, assisted by a provincially-appointed conciliation officer.
Units 1, 2 and 3 of CUPE 3903, representing approximately 3,000 teaching assistants, contract faculty and graduate assistants, began strike action March 5 after members of all three units overwhelmingly rejected York’s last contract offer.
Lefebvre said the Union’s bargaining team is prepared to work “however long it takes” to secure a settlement and end the strike, “provided there is a partner across the table that shares our commitment to resolving this dispute.”
In order to provide the parties with the conditions necessary to negotiate effectively, CUPE 3903 will make no further official statements until bargaining concludes.