CUPE accepts University offer – strike is over

Updated Nov. 9 – CUPE 3906 unit 1 has released the results from its ratification vote on the University's best offer. The vote was 58% in favour of accepting the employer's offer.

The ratification means the week-long strike by TAs and RAs is now over. “We appreciate that teaching and research assistants have voted in favour of our offer,” said Peter Smith, chair of the University's bargaining committee and associate vice-president, Academic. “It was in everyone's interest to find a speedy resolution to the strike. The vote result means a fair deal for TAs and RAs, and a return to normal for undergraduate students.”

All TAs and RAs should report to their supervisor to return to regular duties. We expect all tutorials and labs should run on their normal schedules by mid-week, once a return-to-work protocol has been finalized.

Updated Nov. 6 – Teaching and Research Assistants at McMaster will begin voting Sunday on the University's best contract offer. If the TAs and RAs (in lieu) vote in favour of ratification the CUPE 3906 Unit 1 strike that began earlier this week will end. If the contract is rejected, the strike will continue.

The vote begins Sunday at the Hamilton Convention Centre and continues Monday at the union's strike office at 17 Paradise Road, just across from the Metro store in Westdale.

“The vote will be decided by the majority of those who turn out to vote,” said Peter Smith, chair of the University's bargaining committee and associate vice-president, Academic. “It is important that every member of the bargaining unit participates to ensure the result reflects the true views of the entire bargaining unit.”

The University's best offer includes wage increases and improved benefits. Details on the offer can be found here.

Updated Nov. 4 11:00 p.m. – CUPE 3906, Unit 1 has announced to its members that it will hold a ratification vote on the University's contract offer.

“We had asked CUPE to let members of the bargaining unit vote on the offer and we're pleased that it has decided to take this step,” said Peter Smith, chair of the University's bargaining committee and associate vie-president, Academic. “We believe the University's best offer is both fair and equitable and we encourage all TAs and RAs to be informed and to participate in the vote.”

The union informed members Wednesday night that the vote will begin Sunday night following a membership meeting at the Hamilton Convention Centre. The voting will continue Monday at the union's strike office from 10am to 5pm.

Updated Nov. 4 at 3:30 p.m. – Picket lines remain up at the University's Sterling St. and Cootes Dr. entrances as CUPE 3906 unit 1 continues its strike. The McMaster community's continued patience has ensured the safety of everyone at the lines and is appreciated.

Continue to check the Daily News for more information, or sign up to Twitter for instant updates.

Updated Nov. 3 at 9:00 p.m. – The University and CUPE 3906 unit 1 met on Tuesday, the second day of a strike by the union representing TAs and RAs at McMaster.

“We very much value the work of our TAs and RAs and want this strike to be as short as possible for teaching and research assistants, for all of our students, and for the overall university, but we regret we made no progress in our latest meeting with the union,” said Peter Smith, chair of the university's bargaining team and associate vice-president, Academic. “We have put our best offer on the table and we believe it is fair and competitive. The University confirmed in writing today that the offer will remain open for acceptance for a full week, ending Tuesday, November 10 at 12:01 a.m. It will then be withdrawn.”

The union indicated in the meeting that it is only willing to meet with the University if the provincial mediator is present. Smith said, “If the mediator sees potential for a settlement he will bring both parties together and we will be there.” No meetings are scheduled at this point.

The University's best offer includes wage increases, higher university contributions to dental benefits, continuation of the University contribution to the union administered benefit fund, job security and other provisions to enhance the working environment for TAs and RAs.

Updated Nov. 3 at 12:00 p.m. – Picket lines are back up on campus today as CUPE 3906 unit 1, which represents Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants, continues its strike. After some initial delays, traffic lineups did ease at University entrances.

Continue to check the Daily News for more information, or sign up to Twitter for instant updates.

Updated Nov. 2 at 8:30 p.m. – Picket Lines are expected to be back up on campus
Tuesday as CUPE 3906 unit 1, which represents Teaching Assistants and Research
Assistants, continues its strike.

The University and the union met a number of times on Monday and the University
has suggested the two parties meet again Tuesday afternoon. The University says it needs
time to review and analyze the union's most recent proposal.

In meeting Monday, the University informed CUPE that its best offer tabled over the
weekend will remain on the table for another week. “Normally once an offer is rejected by
the union it is withdrawn. But as a sign of good faith we have decided to let the offer stand
until next Tuesday at 12:01 a.m.,” said bargaining committee chair and associate vice-
president, Academic Peter Smith. “We hope this provides time for the union and its
membership to have a more thorough discussion of the proposal and to reconsider having
a full vote by members of the bargaining unit.”

The two parties also spent considerable time on Monday discussing the Picketing
Protocol. Some aspects of the agreement needed to be clarified to make sure safety was
maintained. All parties, including Hamilton Police, have a clearer understanding of its
requirements and how the protocol will be consistently enforced.

Picket lines are expected to run from 7:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the evening at
the Sterling Street and Coote's Drive entrances. People should plan for delays getting into
campus and need to leave enough time to move through the picket lines to get to classes
or work.

Updated at 2:00 p.m. – CUPE 3906, unit 1 agreed early Monday to modify its
strike picket into an information picket which re-opened access to campus. While this
change lasted for several hours, full picketing is once again in place at the Sterling and
Coote's Drive entrances.

The change to the pickets earlier in the day was part of an agreement between the
University and the union. Both parties agreed to meet and the union agreed there would
only be information pickets until those discussions ended. The parties talked this
morning and will meet again later this afternoon.

Vehicle lines were extensive this morning. Both parties have negotiated a Picketing
Protocol that limits how long vehicles can be held but not all aspects of the plan were
followed this morning.
Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants went on strike Monday morning after the
union rejected the University's best offer during weekend bargaining.

More information is available on the href=”http://www.mcmaster.ca/opr/labour_relations/cupe_2.html”> CUPE Labour
Relations site on the Daily News. Updates are also available via href=”http://twitter.com/mcmasterupdates”> Twitter.

Posted at 10:30 a.m. – CUPE 3906, unit 1 has agreed to modify its strike
picket into an information picket on Monday. The change is part of an agreement this
morning between the University and the union. The union had invited the University to
meet and the University's bargaining team had indicated Sunday night that it was willing to
talk if no pickets were held. A compromise was reached this morning. Both parties will
be meeting and the change to information pickets means that vehicles will not be delayed
coming into campus.

Vehicle lines were extensive this morning. Both parties have negotiated a Picketing
Protocol that will help ease delays.

The University says it is pleased to meet with the union and is anxious to see how its
position has evolved.

Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants went on strike Monday morning after the
union rejected the University's best offer during weekend bargaining.

More information is available on the href=”http://www.mcmaster.ca/opr/labour_relations/cupe_2.html”> CUPE Labour
Relations site on the Daily News.

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<p><b>Updated Nov. 9</b> - CUPE 3906 unit 1 has released the results from its ratification vote on the University&#039;s best offer. The vote was 58% in favour of accepting the employer&#039;s offer.<br />
<p>The ratification means the week-long strike by TAs and RAs is now over. "We appreciate that teaching and research assistants have voted in favour of our offer," said Peter Smith, chair of the University&#039;s bargaining committee and associate vice-president, Academic. "It was in everyone&#039;s interest to find a speedy resolution to the strike.   The vote result means a fair deal for TAs and RAs, and a return to normal for undergraduate students."<br />
<p>All TAs and RAs should report to their supervisor to return to regular duties. We expect all tutorials and labs should run on their normal schedules by mid-week, once a return-to-work protocol has been finalized.<br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<p><b>Updated Nov. 6</b> - Teaching and Research Assistants at McMaster will begin voting Sunday on the University&#039;s best contract offer.  If the TAs and RAs (in lieu) vote in favour of ratification the CUPE 3906 Unit 1 strike that began earlier this week will end.  If the contract is rejected, the strike will continue.<br />
<br />
<p>The vote begins Sunday at the Hamilton Convention Centre and continues Monday at the union&#039;s strike office at 17 Paradise Road, just across from the Metro store in Westdale.<br />
<br />
<p>"The vote will be decided by the majority of those who turn out to vote," said Peter Smith, chair of the University&#039;s bargaining committee and associate vice-president, Academic. "It is important that every member of the bargaining unit participates to ensure the result reflects the true views of the entire bargaining unit."<br />
<br />
<p>The University&#039;s best offer includes wage increases and improved benefits.  Details on the offer can be found <a href="http://www.mcmaster.ca/opr/labour_relations/cupe_2.html"> here</a>.<br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<p><b>Updated Nov. 4 11:00 p.m.</b> - CUPE 3906, Unit 1 has announced to its members that it will hold a ratification vote on the University&#039;s contract offer.  <br />
<br />
<p>"We had asked CUPE to let members of the bargaining unit vote on the offer and we&#039;re pleased that it has decided to take this step," said Peter Smith, chair of the University&#039;s bargaining committee and associate vie-president, Academic.  "We believe the University&#039;s best offer is both fair and equitable and we encourage all TAs and RAs to be informed and to participate in the vote."<br />
<br />
<p>The union informed members Wednesday night that the vote will begin Sunday night following a membership meeting at the Hamilton Convention Centre.  The voting will continue Monday at the union&#039;s strike office from 10am to 5pm. <br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<p><b>Updated Nov. 4 at 3:30 p.m.</b> - Picket lines remain up at the University&#039;s Sterling St. and Cootes Dr. entrances as CUPE 3906 unit 1 continues its strike. The McMaster community&#039;s continued patience has ensured the safety of everyone at the lines and is appreciated.<br />
<p>Continue to check the Daily News for more information, or sign up to <a href="http://twitter.com/mcmasterupdates"> Twitter</a> for instant updates.<br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<p><b>Updated Nov. 3 at 9:00 p.m.</b> - The University and CUPE 3906 unit 1 met on Tuesday, the second day of a strike by the union representing TAs and RAs at McMaster.<br />
<p>"We very much value the work of our TAs and RAs and want this strike to be as short as possible for teaching and research assistants, for all of our students, and for the overall university, but we regret we made no progress in our latest meeting with the union," said Peter Smith, chair of the university&#039;s bargaining team and associate vice-president, Academic.  "We have put our best offer on the table and we believe it is fair and competitive.  The University confirmed in writing today that the offer will remain open for acceptance for a full week, ending Tuesday, November 10 at 12:01 a.m.  It will then be withdrawn."<br />
<p>The union indicated in the meeting that it is only willing to meet with the University if the provincial mediator is present.  Smith said, "If the mediator sees potential for a settlement he will bring both parties together and we will be there."  No meetings are scheduled at this point.<br />
<p>The University&#039;s best offer includes wage increases, higher university contributions to dental benefits, continuation of the University contribution to the union administered benefit fund, job security and other provisions to enhance the working environment for TAs and RAs.<br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<p><b>Updated Nov. 3 at 12:00 p.m.</b> - Picket lines are back up on campus today as CUPE 3906 unit 1, which represents Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants, continues its strike. After some initial delays, traffic lineups did ease at University entrances. <br />
<p>Continue to check the Daily News for more information, or sign up to <a href="http://twitter.com/mcmasterupdates"> Twitter</a> for instant updates.   <br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<b>Updated Nov. 2 at 8:30 p.m.</b> - Picket Lines are expected to be back up on campus <br />
Tuesday as CUPE 3906 unit 1, which represents Teaching Assistants and Research <br />
Assistants, continues its strike.<br />
<p>The University and the union met a number of times on Monday and the University <br />
has suggested the two parties meet again Tuesday afternoon.  The University says it needs <br />
time to review and analyze the union&#039;s most recent proposal.  <br />
<p>In meeting Monday, the University informed CUPE that its best offer tabled over the <br />
weekend will remain on the table for another week.  "Normally once an offer is rejected by <br />
the union it is withdrawn. But as a sign of good faith we have decided to let the offer stand <br />
until next Tuesday at 12:01 a.m.," said bargaining committee chair and associate vice-<br />
president, Academic Peter Smith.  "We hope this provides time for the union and its <br />
membership to have a more thorough discussion of the proposal and to reconsider having <br />
a full vote by members of the bargaining unit."<br />
<p>The two parties also spent considerable time on Monday discussing the Picketing <br />
Protocol.  Some aspects of the agreement needed to be clarified to make sure safety was <br />
maintained.  All parties, including Hamilton Police, have a clearer understanding of its <br />
requirements and how the protocol will be consistently enforced.<br />
<p>Picket lines are expected to run from 7:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the evening at <br />
the Sterling Street and Coote&#039;s Drive entrances.  People should plan for delays getting into <br />
campus and need to leave enough time to move through the picket lines to get to classes <br />
or work.  <br />
<p>Sign up to McMaster&#039;s <a href="http://twitter.com/mcmasterupdates"> Twitter <br />
feed</a> and receive instant updates.<br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<b>Updated at 2:00 p.m.</b> - CUPE 3906, unit 1 agreed early Monday to modify its <br />
strike picket into an information picket which re-opened access to campus.  While this <br />
change lasted for several hours, full picketing is once again in place at the Sterling and <br />
Coote&#039;s Drive entrances.  <br />
<p>The change to the pickets earlier in the day was part of an agreement between the <br />
University and the union.  Both parties agreed to meet and the union agreed there would <br />
only be information pickets until those discussions ended.   The parties talked this <br />
morning and will meet again later this afternoon.<br />
<p>Vehicle lines were extensive this morning.  Both parties have negotiated a Picketing <br />
Protocol that limits how long vehicles can be held but not all aspects of the plan were <br />
followed this morning.<br />
Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants went on strike Monday morning after the <br />
union rejected the University&#039;s best offer during weekend bargaining.<br />
<p>More information is available on the <a <br />
href="http://www.mcmaster.ca/opr/labour_relations/cupe_2.html"> CUPE Labour <br />
Relations site</a> on the Daily News. Updates are also available via <a <br />
href="http://twitter.com/mcmasterupdates"> Twitter</a>.<br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
<p><b>Posted at 10:30 a.m.</b> - CUPE 3906, unit 1 has agreed to modify its strike <br />
picket into an information picket on Monday.  The change is part of an agreement this <br />
morning between the University and the union.  The union had invited the University to <br />
meet and the University&#039;s bargaining team had indicated Sunday night that it was willing to <br />
talk if no pickets were held.  A compromise was reached this morning.  Both parties will <br />
be meeting and the change to information pickets means that vehicles will not be delayed <br />
coming into campus.<br />
<p>Vehicle lines were extensive this morning.  Both parties have negotiated a Picketing <br />
Protocol that will help ease delays.<br />
<p>The University says it is pleased to meet with the union and is anxious to see how its <br />
position has evolved.<br />
<p>Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants went on strike Monday morning after the <br />
union rejected the University&#039;s best offer during weekend bargaining.<br />
<br />
<p>More information is available on the <a <br />
href="http://www.mcmaster.ca/opr/labour_relations/cupe_2.html"> CUPE Labour <br />
Relations site</a> on the Daily News.<br />

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