Hamilton, Ont. – McMaster University teaching assistants and research assistants (TAs and RAs), represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3906, will hold a ratification vote before taking strike action. The local is in a legal strike position, but will continue working pending the outcome of a ratification vote.
“At our local union meeting yesterday, members indicated they want an opportunity to hold a formal vote on a contract offer from the university, to give more time for students and the campus community to prepare for a possible strike, and to make sure management has a clear picture of where the membership stands,” said Max Haiven, CUPE 3906 spokesperson.
CUPE 3906 represents over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate TAs, who teach, grade and help students at McMaster. The membership recently voted 81 per cent in favour of strike action if a fair agreement is not reached. Their last contract expired on
August 31, 2006.
For more information, contact:
Max Haiven
CUPE 3906 Spokesperson
(905) 923-1499
Sarah Declerck
President, CUPE 3906
(416) 830-9537
Patricia Webber-Callaghan
CUPE National Representative
(905) 575-5411
James Chai
CUPE Communications
(416) 292-3999