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OTTAWA – Earlier this month, teaching assistants (TAs) at Carleton University, members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4600, were shocked to learn that their wages would be reduced due to a two-year Human Resources error by the university’s administration.

On the day that TAs are set to take their first pay deduction, CUPE 4600 is inviting friends and allies to a rally to tell Carleton University administration to “Stop the Clawbacks!” The event will feature testimonials from teaching assistants speaking to how this sudden financial hardship has affected their personal lives.

Teaching assistants at Carleton University make on average $8,900 per year – an annual income well below the poverty line. Some TAs are facing deductions totalling up to 20 per cent of their yearly salary. Any reduction of income will leave many scrambling to make ends meet.

We need your help! TAs are an important part of the student learning experience and play a vital role on campus. They deserve to be treated with respect and this “quick-fix” solution by Carleton University is unacceptable.

Come and show your support for TAs and tell Carleton University administration that teaching assistants should not have to pay for their mistake!

WHO: CUPE 4600 invites students, faculty, friends and allies!

WHAT: “Stop the Clawbacks!” rally and march to show support for TAs

WHEN: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Unicentre Atrium, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa


Facebook event page: DON’T MAKE TAs PAY FOR CARLETON’S MISTAKE! Rally & Townhall

Follow CUPE Local 4600 Twitter: @CUPE4600


CUPE 4600 represents over 2,000 teaching assistants at Carleton University. TAs run labs and tutorials, mark papers and exams, and make themselves available for advice and guidance – please come out and show your support!

  • To learn more about these payroll reductions, visit 4600.cupe.ca


For more information, please contact:

Samantha Ponting, CUPE 4600 (Unit 1) Co-Chief Steward: 613-552-6279

James Meades, CUPE 4600 Co-President: 613-784-9932

John Gillies, CUPE National Representative: 613-761-2569