Interview with Joel about Picketer hit by car on Shoreham

Joel, a unit 2 member picketing at Shoreham road, describes an incident where a picketer was hit by a car. Although there were no physical injuries, Joel says that the member was visibly shaken. Despite the aggression shown by some of the drivers, Joel comments the strength of the Shoreham picket line.

Interview with Saad on International Student Issues and Unit 2

Saad, a Unit 3 member, discusses some of the current issues around wages and funding for international students. He speaks to the importance of the Unit 2 demands for job security and points to the need for CUPE to reach out to undergraduate students to help them understand that CUPE’s fight is in part to improve their learning conditions.

Interview with Josh on Pond Road

Josh, picket captain at Pond Road, reflects on the second day of the strike. He explains the different ways members can get involved: go to the CUPE website to get the contact information for the CUPE rep in your department, call strike headquarters, or go to any picket line and sign in for picket duty.

Barish on Picket Line Style

Barish, a picketer on Pond Road, teaches us all a little bit about fashion on the picket line (day 2).

CUPE 3903 Members Explain Job Cuts

These videos were made a year ago as our union mobilized around the university cutting jobs. The university has massively expanded its grad programs to grab more tuition dollars from us without providing the financial support needed for these extra grads. Instead the employer is forcing out older CUPE workers in Unit 2 and replacing them with these new grads. Today we’re out on picket lines fighting for both job security and better funding for all students.

Govind on Job Cuts

Nadia on how job cuts are already happening

Anna on Master’s students.

Enda speaks on losing his job

Michelle on how job cuts affect her

Guided Tour of Strike Headquarters

This video shows the many activities going on at strike headquarters. Several members express their thoughts on the first day of the strike. One in particular says: “this is one of the most inspiring days ever, seeing that many members out on the picket lines…doing four hour, 8 hour, 12 hour shifts because they don’t want to go home…that’s unbelievable, these people have inexhaustible energy, that’s because they believe in the union!!”

Interview with Andrew

Andrew, a Unit 1 member, describes the strength of the picket line at Shoreham Gate on day 1 of the strike. He discusses some of the reactions Shoreham picketers have been receiving from campus security and the Toronto police, but emphasizes the conviction of Shoreham picketers to ensure that their line is effective, safe, and strong.

Interview With Silvia, CUPE 3903 Treasurer

Silvia, the Treasurer for CUPE 3903, explains how strike pay works: what members are paid for and how they can pick up their cheques. She also comments on the encouraging support shown by other unions, the TTC, and many passing cars on day 1 of the strike.

Interview with Barish

Barish explains why CUPE 3903 is on strike. He says that “we are underpaid, we do half of the teaching on campus, but many of our members have problems with living expenses….Shoukri has to listen to some of our demands…we are willing to negotiate!!”

Interview with Rob