On Oct. 30, 2020, the University and CUPE 3903 began collective bargaining to achieve renewed collective agreements.
To date, the parties have met for 11 bargaining sessions and have agreed to a series of dates for continued collective bargaining, for a total of 18 dates:
- Feb. 18: 12 to 3 p.m.
- Feb. 19: 12 to 3 p.m.
- Feb. 26: 12 to 2 p.m.
- March 8: 12 to 3 p.m.
- March 19: 12 to 3 p.m.
- March 23: 1:30 to 5 p.m.
- March 29: 12 to 3 p.m.
From the outset, the University clearly stated that its primary bargaining objective was the expeditious negotiation of renewed collective agreements to help provide the entire York community with some degree of certainty and stability during these challenging times.
The University had proposed an extension framework to renew the collective agreements that included, among other things, convening a Joint Committee to make recommendations about job stability pending which the current Long Service Teaching Appointment (LSTA) and conversion programs would be extended over the course of the next collective agreement. The parties have since agreed to engage mediator Chris Albertyn on the weekends of Feb. 19 and 26 to assist them in working through job stability programs for contract faculty in Unit 2. The University’s extension framework proposals are set aside pending the discussions with mediator Albertyn.
The University has extended funding to CUPE for a number of critical programs into 2020-21 to avoid any gap in supports for members in need while bargaining is underway:
- CUPE 3903 Benefits Fund of $220,000
- Childcare Fund of $260,000
- Sexual Violence Survivor Fund, $50,000
The ongoing global pandemic continues to affect the operation of the University and the lives of its community – students, faculty, and staff – how we teach, work, learn and general daily activities. The University remains hopeful that we will reach negotiated collective agreements with CUPE 3903 that will provide that needed certainty and stability.
To learn more, visit https://www.yorku.ca/labour/cupe-3903-negotiations/.