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PrintStudent Updates-Labour Relations
November 9, 2009 - 9:00 p.m.
CUPE accepts University offer – strike is over
CUPE 3906 unit 1 has released the results from its ratification vote on the University’s best offer. The vote was 58% in favour of accepting the employer’s offer.
The ratification means the week-long strike by TAs and RAs is now over. “We appreciate that teaching and research assistants have voted in favour of our offer, said Peter Smith, chair of the University’s bargaining committee and associate vice-president, Academic. “It was in everyone’s interest to find a speedy resolution to the strike. The vote result means a fair deal for TAs and RAs, and a return to normal for undergraduate students.”
All TAs and RAs should report to their supervisor to return to regular duties. We expect all tutorials and labs should run on their normal schedules by mid-week, once a return-to-work protocol has been finalized.
November 5, 2009 - 10:00 p.m.
McMaster hopes the strike by CUPE Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants will be resolved soon in order to minimize the impact for all students. We are pleased that CUPE 3906, unit 1 has agreed to let members of the bargaining unit vote on the University’s contract offer. We hope that every TA and RA on campus participates in the vote so that the result reflects the true views of the entire bargaining unit.
The University’s best offer includes higher wages, improved benefits and new provisions that improve the working conditions of teaching and research assistants.
The full offer can be found here.
Offer Highlights:
- Hourly wage increases that raise pay to $39.40 for graduate TAs and $22.15 for undergraduate TAs
- Improvements to dental benefits with the University increasing its share of the cost by 12% for those with individual coverage
- Continuation of the union-administered benefit fund of $150,000 per year
The union vote will be conducted this Sunday and Monday for all TAs and RAs (in lieu of TAs). On Monday the University is providing a free shuttle bus from the campus to the union office where the vote is taking place that day.
We hope that the outcome of the vote will be acceptance of the offer and an end to the current strike. We appreciate your understanding during this time
November 4, 2009 - 11:00 p.m.
CUPE 3906, Unit 1 has announced to its members that it will hold a ratification vote on the University's contract offer.
"We had asked CUPE to let members of the bargaining unit vote on the offer and we're pleased that it has decided to take this step," said Peter Smith, chair of the University's bargaining committee and associate vie-president, Academic. "We believe the University's best offer is both fair and equitable and we encourage all TAs and RAs to be informed and to participate in the vote."
The union informed members Wednesday night that the vote will begin Sunday night following a membership meeting at the Hamilton Convention Centre. The voting will continue Monday at the union's strike office from 10am to 5pm.
Novermber 4, 2009 - 12:00 p.m.
Some students have been asking about this Friday’s deadline for withdrawal from courses and whether it would be extended.
The new date will be one week after the end of the labour disruption or November 30, whichever is earlier. This change is made in accordance with Senate Policy (Rights and Responsibilities of Undergraduate Students During work Stoppages that Substantially Disrupt Academic Activities).
We regret that no progress was made when the University and the union met on Tuesday. We want the strike to be as short as possible for TAs and RAs and for all students. The union has indicated that it is only willing to meet with the University if the provincial mediator is present. If the mediator sees potential for a settlement he will bring both parties together and the University will be anxious to be there. However, no meetings are scheduled at this point.
November 3, 2009 - 12:30 p.m.
Picket lines are back up on campus today as CUPE 3906 unit 1, which represents Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants, continues its strike. After some initial delays, traffic lineups did ease at University entrances.
Continue to check the Daily News for more information, or sign up to Twitter for instant updates.
November 2, 2009 - 9:00 p.m.
The University and CUPE met a number of times on Monday as the first day of the strike by Teaching and Research Assistants was underway.
The University has suggested the two parties meet again Tuesday afternoon. The University says it needs time to review and analyze the union’s most recent proposal.
In the meeting Monday, the University informed CUPE that its best offer tabled over the weekend will remain on the table for another week. Peter Smith who chairs the University’s bargaining committee explained that in normal bargaining an offer is withdrawn once it has been rejected by the union. But as a sign of good faith the University has decided to let the offer stand until next Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. to give the union and its membership time for more thorough discussions of the proposal and hopefully to reconsider having a full vote by members of the bargaining unit.
Please note that the HSR and GO Transit altered their temporary bus stops today. The updated information can be found here. We will continue to update any public transit and other information about the strike on the Daily News and to students directly via their mcmaster.ca email addresses. The University Twitter feed is another way to receive all updates.
Picketing on campus today was somewhat confused as the union switched back and forth from a full strike picket to an information picket and then back to a strike picket. During the full picket times traffic getting onto campus was very congested. Both parties spent time with Hamilton police today to clarify the picket line protocol and to determine how police will help to ensure that its conditions are adhered to. Picket lines are expected again tomorrow.
It is still unclear how many tutorials and labs are gong ahead and how many have been cancelled because CUPE members are on strike. Union members have the right to decide whether they will join the strike or if they will continue to work. This is a dynamic situation and is impossible to predict.
A new hotline was opened today to provide strike information. You can reach it at 905-525-9140 ext. 29999. It is staffed during regular business hours and a regularly updated recording will be available overnight.
November 2, 2009 - 2:00 p.m.
Picket line changes
CUPE 3906, unit 1 agreed early Monday to modify its strike picket into an information picket which re-opened access to campus. While this change lasted for several hours, full picketing is once again in place at the Sterling and Coote's Drive entrances.
The change to the pickets earlier in the day was part of an agreement between the University and the union. Both parties agreed to meet and the union agreed there would only be information pickets until those discussions ended. The parties talked this morning and will meet again later this afternoon.
Vehicle lines were extensive this morning. Both parties have negotiated a Picketing Protocol that limits how long vehicles can be held but not all aspects of the plan were followed this morning.
More information is available on the CUPE Labour Relations site on the Daily News. Updates are also available via Twitter.
November 2, 2009 - 10:30 a.m.
Picket line changes
CUPE 3906, unit 1 has agreed to modify its strike picket into an information picket on Monday. The change is part of an agreement this morning between the University and the union. The union had invited the University to meet and the University's bargaining team had indicated Sunday night that it was willing to talk if no pickets were held. A compromise was reached this morning. Both parties will be meeting and the change to information pickets means that vehicles will not be delayed coming into campus.
More information is available on the CUPE Labour Relations site on the Daily News.
November 1, 2009 - 9:30 p.m.
Earlier this evening the University offered to meet with the union again Monday morning on the condition that it does not commence any strike action while discussions are ongoing. As of 9:00 Sunday night the union had not responded to the University's offer.
November 1, 2009 - 5:30 p.m.
Strike by CUPE Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants – picket lines expected Monday
The University will remain open and classes will continue during the strike. There will be impacts on many tutorials and labs.
Instructors will contact students if there are any changes in schedules. Students can also contact their instructor or department office for additional information. Please monitor your mcmaster.ca email address and this page for updated information. Sign up on our Twitter account for instant updates.
Picket Lines
There will be delays getting onto campus. We appreciate your patience.
The University and the union have agreed to a Picketing Protocol. There will be staging areas for vehicles at both the Sterling Street and Coote’s Drive entrances. Once directed to a staging area your wait will be no more than a total of five minutes. Hamilton police will be monitoring the situation.
It is important that access to the hospital and access to campus for emergency vehicles through the Main St. entrance is not restricted. In return for agreeing not to picket the Main St. entrance, the University has agreed to restrict access through this entrance.
Students living in residence with residence identification that includes the licence plate number of their vehicle will be allowed to use the Main St. entrance. Otherwise, the entrance is restricted to heavy trucks and emergency vehicles.
For more complete information please go here.
Nov. 1, 2009
A message from McMaster University to Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants (holding an RA in lieu of a TA)
After almost 24 straight hours of negotiations CUPE 3906, Unit 1 rejected the University's latest and best contract offer.
At the same time, the union’s bargaining team decided TAs and RAs shouldn’t be given the opportunity to make their opinions known. They have refused a University request to let you vote on this offer.
CUPE has asked the University to make space available for a General Membership Meeting on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. in the Burridge Gymnasium (Registration will begin at 3:00p.m.) .
All TAs and RAs are encouraged to keep themselves informed and attend this meeting. Information is available here.
You’ve received information by now about the University’s latest offer.
Class A TAs and RAs would earn $39.40/hr by the end of the contract. Class B TAs would earn $22.15/hr.
These are the highest wage rates we’ve ever proposed during these negotiations, which began back in June.
The University's best offer includes:
· Increased pay rates for graduate TAs and RAs to $39.40/hr over the two year term of the contract
· Increased pay rates for undergraduate TAs to $22.15
· Increased university contribution to the dental plan that will save all members $3.00 per month
· Maintenance of the University's $150,000 contribution to the union-administered benefit fund
· Protection from working past the end of term and job guarantee provisions
You can read the highlights of the offer and the full text here.
Calling a strike is a significant step and to do so without at least letting TAs and RAs vote doesn't seem fair to either the bargaining unit members or the students who will be most impacted by a strike. It's not too late for CUPE to reconsider its decision and to call a vote before any picket lines are in place. Let your voice be heard, notify your union representative.
Thank you
October 31, 2009
TA bargaining Update – picket lines expected Monday morning
Despite marathon bargaining between Thursday and Saturday and two new offers being presented by the University, CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1, that represents Teaching Assistants and some Research Assistants on campus, has rejected the University’s best offer and called a strike to begin Monday morning. The union also rejected the University’s request to hold a vote on the contract offer so TAs and RAs would have an opportunity to have their say on the proposal.
The University will remain open and classes will continue. There will be impacts on many tutorials and labs.
Instructors will contact students if there are any changes in schedules. Students can also contact their instructor or department office for additional information. Please monitor your mcmaster.ca email address for updated information. Information can also be found on the Daily News student update labour relations page.
Picket lines will make it difficult for people to get to campus by vehicle and to leave campus as well. When there is a strike, the HSR and GO Transit will not come onto campus. Alternate stops close to campus have been determined and can be found on the Access to Campus guide.
Delays in getting onto campus can be frustrating but please be patient to make sure everyone stays safe.
Please direct any questions regarding your academic program to your instructor or department office. For other information please contact daily@mcmaster.ca
October 30, 2009
Posted Oct. 30 at 2:00 p.m. - McMaster has presented a new offer to CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1 that includes a 30% increase in the University's contribution to benefits and raises pay rates for every TA and RA.
"The union has told us its priority focus is on increasing University contributions to its benefit plan," says Peter Smith, associate vice-president academic and chair the of the University bargaining team. "This offer provides significant new investments in benefits and at the same time delivers considerable pay raises for all members."
Under this new two-year offer, University contributions to benefits would increase by 30% rising to $200,000 in the final year of the agreement. McMaster would also contribute $3 more every month to each member's dental plan. At the same time, hourly wage rates increase for every TA and RA.
Highlights of the new offer:
A more detailed overview of the offer is available here.
The union will be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on October 31.
"We have always believed a deal is within reach and the University is focused on getting an agreement prior to the union's strike date," says Smith.
October 28, 2009
Negotiations continue tomorrow and Friday – A message to TAs and RAs from McMaster University
McMaster will continue negotiations with CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1 this Thursday and Friday.
These will be the fifth and sixth days of talks organized by the provincial conciliator. At each of these meetings, McMaster’s focus has been on reaching a fair and sustainable collective agreement. We’ve made considerable progress and believe a deal is within reach.
The union will be in a legal strike position beginning 12:01 a.m. on October 31. McMaster will not lock out TAs and RAs. The only way a work stoppage will happen is if the union calls a strike. It will then be your choice whether or not you continue to work. Classes will continue as scheduled.
Under the University’s offer:
- You will receive a pay raise of $1.30 per hour (Class A - $39.30 and Class B - $22.05)
- McMaster will contribute$150,000 towards your annual union-administered benefits plan, an increase of 50% since 2005
- The University will continue to pay two-thirds of the cost of your monthly dental plan
- You will be protected from working past the end of the academic term
- There will be improvements to how your hours of work are assigned
- Job guarantee and flexibility provisions will be improved
Continue to check your mcmaster.ca email account, The Daily News and the student web pages for updated information. You can also subscribe to McMaster’s Twitter feed.
Highlights of McMaster’s offer and the University’s complete offer are available here.
October 26, 2009
A message to our students from McMaster University
CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1 which represents Teaching Assistants and some Research Assistants will be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, October 31. A work stoppage will only happen if the union calls a strike. McMaster will not lock out TAs and RAs.
Negotiations to reach a new contract have been underway for several months. Here ’s an overview of progress to date:
- The University and union have been meeting since June and we’ve made good progress, with agreement on the majority of contract language.
- The University is offering TAs and RAs a raise of $1.30 an hour (Class A - $39.30/hr., Class B - $22.05/hr.).
- Talks continue October 29 and 30 and the University believes a deal is within reach.
As these talks continue, McMaster’s top priority continues to be our students and providing the best quality education. The University will remain open and classes will continue.
However, there will be some changes and impacts should the union decide to strike. Here are a few reminders for students:
- Classes will continue but there could be changes in classroom and lecture hall locations. Your instructor will inform you of these changes.
- Tutorials and labs could be affected. Your instructor will provide information about any changes and every effort will be made to minimize the impact of these changes.
- If you have yet to activate your McMaster e-mail account, you should do so now. You will be receiving regular updates via your McMaster e-mail address. If you have a question about your McMaster e-mail address, visit https://mugsi.mcmaster.ca
You can find updated information at:
October 23, 2009
Message to Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants from McMaster University
Dear TAs and RAs,
You do important work and McMaster recognizes your contributions to the University. CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1 says “a strike/lock out is a real possibility” beginning on October 31st. McMaster will not lock you out. A work stoppage will happen only if CUPE calls a strike. We believe a deal is within reach and we’re eager to get back to the table on October 29 and 30.
Our contract offer reflects the important role you play. Here are the highlights:
Wages
You will get a raise of $1.30 per hour: Class A = $ 39.30 Class B= $22.05. TAs will be eligible for the Class A rate once they have their 1st undergraduate degree.
Benefits
McMaster pays $150,000 each year into your benefit plan, that’s an increase of 50% since 2005. The number of TAs has remained stable during that time. McMaster also pays two-thirds of your monthly dental plan.
Workload
New protections so you won’t have to work past the end of the academic term and a better way to assign your work hours.
Job Security
Better job guarantees and improved flexibility.
We remain focused on working hard to reach a deal that’s fair and sustainable.
October 19, 2009
There have been new developments in the University's continued negotiations for a renewed collective agreement with CUPE 3906, Unit 1 (representing Teaching Assistants and some Research Assistants).
- The University and union met on October 14, 15 and 16 for three full days of bargaining with assistance from a provincial conciliation officer
- The University tabled a new offer during these talks
- A "No Board" report, requested by the union, has been issued by the province
- October 31 (12:01 am) is the earliest date the union could legally strike
- Further talks involving the University, the conciliation officer and union have been scheduled for October 29 and 30
The University is proposing a two-year contract that would raise hourly rates for graduate TAs and RAs to $39.30 by the end of the second year. Undergraduate TAs hourly rates would increase to $22.05 over the same period. University contributions to the union-administered benefits plan would be maintained. The proposal also improves the collaborative process by which individual work plans are developed to ensure a balanced and effective workload for TAs. Improvements in job security and some improvement to bereavement leave are included in the employer's proposal.
A summary of the revised University offer is available here.
June 2009
McMaster’s current collective agreement with CUPE Local 3906 Unit 1 representing Teaching and Research Assistants expired on August 30, 2009.
The University began face-to-face negotiations with the union on June 30.
Background Information:
- There are approximately 3000 Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants on campus
- Teaching Assistants play important roles at the University and the goal is to recognize the value of that work while taking into consideration the significant short and long-term financial challenges McMaster faces
- The union represents Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants (who receive a Research Assistantship in lieu of a Teaching Assistantship) in their capacities as employees of the University and not as students
We will be keeping students informed of key developments as we continue to negotiate with CUPE. Please check McMaster’s Daily News for updates on negotiations.