York U – Where Did Our Love Go?

CUPE 3903 sings their latest hit to YorkU: “Where did our love go?”

Music and Inspiration from the Picket Lines

Solidarity Rally – November 17

On November 17, 2008, hundreds of university students and workers from across southern Ontario rallied at Main Gate in support of striking CUPE 3903 members. “We know what happens on this campus will impact what happens on other campuses,” says one Ryerson student representative.  A York undergrad declares, “we’re going to keep coming to the lines, every day of this struggle, for as long as it takes!”

CUPE FAQ: Why Should Undergrads Support CUPE 3903?

A number of undergraduate students express their support for CUPE 3903. One in particular states: “I think it’s wrong that our future educators, our future professors, our future leaders have to be living under the poverty line and then also giving back tuition back the university. It is ridiculous, I don’t agree with it”. Another says: “Workers have the right to struggle for their basic economic rights which is exactly what’s happening with the CUPE strike!” They all stress the importance of undergrads showing their support for CUPE 3903.

CUPE FAQ: Why is CUPE striking in the midst on an economic downturn?

CUPE 3903 members answer the question: “How does CUPE justify asking for higher wages in the midst of an economic downturn?”

CUPE FAQ: Why hasn’t CUPE 3903 accepted binding arbitration with York?

A number of members discuss the reasons why CUPE 3903 has not accepted the university’s proposal of binding arbitration. Some of these reasons are that binding arbitration; is disadvantageous to a union that is a leader within its sector, is not in the interests of collective bargaining, and places CUPE 3903 in a position of powerlessness within its negotiations with York University.

CUPE FAQ – Why not just get another job?

A CUPE 3903 member discusses the actual work load for teaching assistants.

CUPE FAQ – Why is CUPE striking in the midst of an economic downturn

A CUPE 3903 member responds to the question: “why is CUPE striking in the midst of an economic downturn?” She discusses the issue of job security for contract faculty and, in reference to graduate students, she states that “regardless of the economic times we still need to be educated”

Solidarity Rally

This video captures a few of the messages of solidarity voiced at the November 12th rally. Among those who spoke at the rally were representatives from: CUPE Ontario, Toronto Area CUPE Council, Toronto York Regional Labour Council, Ontario Federation of Labour, Ontario Public Service Employees Union, Canadian Auto Workers, and CUPE National.

Sentinel gate musicians send a message: “We’re not going anywhere!”

On day 9 of the strike, the Sentinal Musicians play their newest song “we’re not going anywhere”

November 12 Solidarity Rally

This video captures some of the words of support from CUPE Ontario and CUPE National that were spoken at the November 12 Solidarity Rally. A York University press release from 1997 is also read. This press release outlines the reasons why the university previously deemed binding arbitration to be both problematic and inappropriate for labour negotiations within the university sector.