Graduate assistants could go on strike, if they vote to approve a strike mandate today. A positive vote gives the CUPE local 3907, the union representing 310 graduate assistants at OISE and U of T, the right to strike if negotiators are unsatisfied with admin’s offered terms of contract.
The strike would interrupt, and possibly halt, professors’ research projects.
“Essentially the university’s taken a hard line, claiming financial difficulties as a result of the recession,” said Ajamu Nangwaya, the union’s chair external.
The union has been in negotiations with U of T admin since November. After a period of unsuccessful negotiations, conciliation meetings are ordered.
“The university met with the union on Friday and several dates, towards the end of April, have been set aside to continue the negotiations,” Angela Hildyard, VP of human resources and equity, said in an email to The Varsity.
Nangwaya said admin is taking away seniority rights, reducing working hours necessary for GA status and increasing the number of half-year contracts over eight-month ones. He also said U of T is offering an annual salary increase of roughly 1.75 per cent in comparison to the three percent other CUPE locals receive.
Earlier this year, teaching assistants in CUPE local 3902 reached a settlement with U of T after months of negotiations and an approved a strike mandate.
U of T grad assistants vote today at 1 p.m., in OISE room 214.
