York’s Inadequate Offer

Members discuss the inadequacies of York’s current offer.

One says that “there were a lot of things that were left totally unaddressed!” Another puts the very few positive elements of the offer in perspective: “Yes they have made some minor movement on things like funds…but all they have done is taken us back to levels where we lost money…even its most positive elements is just a restoration of some of the things that this union has lost over the last 10 years! So I think this membership should not be willing to accept this deal just because it looks a little less crappy than the last one. A less crappy deal is still a crappy deal!”

Bikrum speaks about rank and file mobilizing

Bikram, a Unit 1 member, describes some of the discussion that was had at one of the picket captain meetings. He sends a message of solidarity to CUPE 3903 and concludes by saying, “we will come through this stronger if we stick together!”

Interview with John on Sentinel Line

John, a Unit 1 member, explains the importance of CUPE’s demand for the indexation of funds to membership growth.

Former BT Member Reflects on Day 9 — Main Gate

A former bargaining team member from 2005 responds to the question: “what will it take for the employer to get serious and end this strike?”. She states that York University has traditionally not responded to lowering demands, but rather to strike action. She argues that this employer will only get serious at the bargaining table when they are convinced of CUPE’s strength and resiliency.

CUPE FAQ: Job Security for Unit II

Several members discuss the issue of job security for Unit 2. One in particular states: “York University is one of the largest employers of teachers in the city, yet many of us work in precarious employment situations. We just want job security so that we know that we have work next year. A lot of our members have to reapply every year and they don’t know if they will be able to pay the rent in September”

CUPE FAQ: Why are CUPE members asking for higher wages?

Members of CUPE 3903 answer the question: “If CUPE members are some of the best paid TAs and GAs in the country, why do you need higher wages?” Some of the answers given include: our work far exceeds the 10 hours a week that we are paid for, we are called part time workers but we are full time students in need of funds to support us, and we pay for tuition even in the summer months when we are not taking classes.

Jordy talks about picketting at Glendon

Jordy, a Unit 3 member, describes picketing at the Glendon campus. He explains how to get to Glendon and how to sign up for picket duty there. He encourages all members to consider doing at least one shift a week at Glendon.

Interview with Terry about CUPE struggles at York in the 80s and Unit 2 Issues

Terry, a Unit 2 member since 1984, discusses some of the bargaining demands for Unit 2. He explains Special Renewable Contracts (SRC) and how they could work at York University. Terry describes the history of CUPE 3903, reflecting on the previous three strikes that have occurred since the 1980’s.

Interview With Carmen

Carmen, a Unit 3 member, describes the November 10th solidarity visit from a group of undergraduate students. She explains some of the key demands on the table as well as the job security issues for Unit 2 members.

Interview with Gabby Police Liason Representative

Gabby, a strike coordinator and a police liaison representative for CUPE 3903, reflects on the second day of the strike. She says “we have really strong picket lines and motivated people…we’re better organized and more determined than they thought we were!!”