The members of CUPE 3338-5 that work for the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) have ratified a new agreement. The agreement was reached on Friday October 7, 2011 with the assistance of a mediator. Now that both parties have voted in favour of ratification, the lockout is over and staff are back at work. The lockout began on July 10, 2011.
The new three-year agreement protects the wages and job security of all current staff and includes a 1 per cent increase in the third year. While there is a new lower rate for new hires and student employees, the union was able to get the SFSS Board of Directors to move significantly from their September 1, 2011 proposal that 3338-5 members rejected.
The members of CUPE 3338-5 would like to thank the many SFU students and student groups like the GSS, UR SFSS, and SFPIRG that provided endless support, encouragement, and solidarity during these difficult three months. The support and solidarity shown by other CUPE locals, unions like the TSSU, and SFU community members is also very much appreciated.