The University of Toronto Press and Bookstore are fixtures of Canadian culture. The press produces some of the most compelling and influential titles in academic publishing and is the Canadian distributor for many other university presses. They are also the distributor for a huge number of popular and important Canadian publishers. Many of Canada’s greatest thinkers and writers have their ideas published or distributed by UTP.
But as an employer, their treatment of staff does not match their cultural standing.
UTP relies on a part-time workforce who regularly work full-time hours but are denied access to benefits and pensions. And coming through another pandemic, the employer should recognize the importance of sick days and health benefits. This is why CUPE 3261 members decided to unite in this round of bargaining for a fair contract with a hopeful outlook on the future of UTP as a place people want to work and retire.