On Sunday, November 8, striking teaching and research assistants at McMaster university will meet, discuss and vote on the employer’s ‘final’ offer, an offer that has not changed since early August, and one that does not address the core strike issues.
“We’ve moved several times on our proposals, but McMaster won’t meet us half way,” said Rebecca Strung, CUPE 3906 spokesperson. “Management is even threatening to backtrack and take their inferior offer off the table, even though our members have told us the offer is unacceptable. We will remain united and vote down their ‘final’ offer to show solidarity and fight for a fair and improved offer.”
CUPE 3906 is seeking a deal that will improve learning and working conditions at McMaster university, addressing issues like increased class sizes/workload for TAs and RAs, access for upper-year students for TA and RA work, benefits maintenance and protection from tuition increases that directly impact the quality and accessibility of higher education at McMaster.
“We will hold a ratification vote to demonstrate our resolve to seek a fair deal that benefits students, workers and this university,” said Derek Sahota, CUPE 3906 bargaining team member. “We will be urging our members to show solidarity by rejecting the offer to send a clear message that we want a deal that improves learning and working conditions at McMaster.”
CUPE 3906 represents over 3,000 academic workers, including the 2,700 striking TAs and RAs. The strike began November 2nd.
