TORONTO – The 6,000 members of Local 3902-01 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees are now on legal strike against their employer, the University of Toronto (U of T).
At a special membership meeting held today, members overwhelmingly voted against sending U of T’s last offer to a ratification vote, effectively rejecting the proposed tentative agreement negotiated a day earlier.
“Our members have spoken overwhelmingly. They have said we are poor, precarious, and we need an increase in our standard of living,” said Erin Black, Chair of CUPE 3902.
“The consensus of those in attendance at the special membership meeting was that people felt disrespected by U of T administration, and they require compensation which reflects the high standard of instruction our members provide,” she added.
Following the membership meeting, Local 3902’s executive committee authorized strike action to support their efforts to secure a collective agreement “that meets our members’ needs and respects the work they perform,” said Black.
Picket lines will go up around the U of T campus on Monday morning.
“We deeply regret the inconvenience this will cause students, and urge U of T administration to recognize both our members’ concerns and the impact this will have on students,” said Black. “Our bargaining committee will be available to meet on short notice. Both sides need to return to the table and finish the job of negotiating a settlement that is fair to our members, and preserves quality education at U of T,” she added.
For more information, please contact:
Erin Black
CUPE 3902 Chair
416-806-3902
Tom Laughlin
Bargaining Committee – Steward’s Council Representative
416-997-8162
Kevin Wilson
CUPE Communications
416-821-6641