York University education workers challenge racism and pandemic stress security with strike mandate

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TORONTO – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Education workers at York University voted for a strike mandate in response to institutions’ refusal to tackle racism and security at the table. negotiation.

Education workers including contract professors, teaching assistants and graduate assistants are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 3903.

CUPE 3903 is fighting for better employment equity, job stability and a safe return to campus amid pandemic, said Gizem akmak, CUPE bargaining team member 3903.

The union wants the university to address the lack of representation of equity-seeking groups among contract teachers and prioritize hiring black and Indigenous teachers, women of color and people with disabilities.

York University faculty do not reflect the diversity of the campus community despite their haughty rhetoric about equity and inclusion, Cakmak said. It is an opportunity for them to live up to their ideals, to remedy the persistent lack of diversity and to truly engage in the fight against racism.

CUPE 3903 is also concerned about the universities’ plans to offer up to 50 percent of in-person classes in the fall semester, without taking the necessary measures to ensure personal safety, including reducing class sizes and by implementing public health directives.

The union leadership questions the commitment of university administrations to negotiate in good faith while the institution continues to move towards a work stoppage.

York University has been in a position to lock union members out since July 5, after requesting a non-advice report from the Department of Labor in June.

At each step of this process, it was York that escalated into a labor dispute, pushing members to support a strike mandate, said Vanessa Lehan, CUPE 3903 president. Keeping our members and students safe should be a priority. a shared priority, but they faced a lockdown, instead of working together to find solutions.

The parties return to the bargaining table on July 12. The last collective agreement expired on August 31, 2020.

RELATED LINKS 3903.scupe.ca/negotiation

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