The CUPE Collective Agreement at York University: What You Need to Know
The Canadian Union of Public Employees, or CUPE, is one of the largest unions in Canada, representing approximately 700,000 workers across the country. At York University in Toronto, CUPE represents several groups of workers, including teaching assistants, research assistants, and sessional instructors.
A collective agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for workers represented by a union. The current CUPE collective agreement at York University covers the period from September 1, 2018, to August 31, 2021, and includes provisions related to wages, benefits, job security, and other employment-related matters.
Here are some of the key provisions of the CUPE collective agreement at York University:
Wages: Under the terms of the agreement, members of CUPE at York University are entitled to annual wage increases of 2% in each year of the agreement. This means that workers represented by CUPE will receive a total of 6% in pay increases over the three-year period covered by the agreement.
Benefits: The agreement also includes provisions related to benefits, such as dental and health insurance, long-term disability coverage, and pension contributions. Workers represented by CUPE at York University are entitled to these benefits, which are paid for by the university.
Job Security: The CUPE collective agreement at York University includes provisions related to job security, including layoff procedures and seniority rights for workers. These provisions help to ensure that workers represented by CUPE have job security and are protected against layoffs or other forms of job loss.
Workload: The agreement also includes provisions related to workload, including restrictions on the number of hours that workers can be required to work in a week and provisions for paid breaks and preparation time. These provisions help to ensure that workers have a manageable workload and are not overworked or overstressed.
Protections for International Students: The CUPE collective agreement at York University also includes provisions related to protections for international students, who make up a significant portion of the university`s student population. These provisions include protections against discrimination and harassment, as well as access to supports and services.
Overall, the CUPE collective agreement at York University is an important document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for workers represented by CUPE. It includes provisions related to wages, benefits, job security, workload, and other employment-related matters, and helps to ensure that workers have fair and equitable working conditions. As such, it is an important document for anyone who works or studies at York University.