McMaster University and CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1, which represents Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) in lieu of TAs, have been negotiating a new contract. While the university remains focused on achieving a new collective agreement and will meet again with the union and a provincial mediator on Nov. 18, it is important and prudent that we also prepare contingency plans should CUPE decide to take strike action. 

CUPE requested a No Board Report from the conciliator, which was issued on Nov. 4. The union representing undergraduate and graduate TAs and RAs will be in a legal strike position on Nov. 21 at 12:01 a.m. A strike date does not necessarily mean that a strike will occur. 

McMaster remains committed to bargaining in good faith. It is important that negotiations take place at the bargaining table. 

Students are at the heart of university decision making as we develop contingency plans. We are working to ensure students continue to receive the same high-quality instruction and that we honour our commitment to in-person, on-campus classes.   

Please note that there are no connections between the current situation with the Ontario school board support union and employees at McMaster who are represented by CUPE. These are separate union locals and are not linked.