New collective agreement reached for teaching assistants

Both the University and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3906 are pleased to announce that a new collective agreement has been reached for the bargaining unit representing teaching assistants. In a vote held Tuesday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 2, 2005, CUPE members ratified the terms of the agreement by a clear majority.

The new 20-month agreement is the product of three months of negotiations and expires on Aug. 31, 2006. It provides for wage increases effective January 1, 2005 of 75 cents an hour for graduate teaching assistants and 95 cents an hour for undergraduate teaching assistants, bringing their rates to $34.35 and $17.75 respectively. On Sept. 1, 2005 these rates increase by another 80 cents per hour for all employees. There are also significant increases to the benefit programs provided in the collective agreement and a number of improvements to its administrative provisions.

The terms of the agreement coincide with the balance of the current provincial tuition freeze. Outside the collective agreement the University has provided CUPE with a letter stating the University is not aware of any factors that would lead it to increase graduate tuition fees during the year following the end of this freeze. The letter also discusses the uncertainties of provincial University funding that face both the University and students. Further, it undertakes to consider levels of student financial aid appropriate to the funding approach ultimately determined by the province.

“I am very pleased that we have been able to reach this agreement,” said President Peter George. “Teaching assistants make a vital contribution to our students' learning experience and are an important part of the McMaster community.”

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Both the University and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3906 are pleased to announce that a new collective agreement has been reached for the bargaining unit representing teaching assistants.  In a vote held Tuesday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 2, 2005, CUPE members ratified the terms of the agreement by a clear majority.<p><br />
<br />
The new 20-month agreement is the product of three months of negotiations and expires on Aug. 31, 2006.  It provides for wage increases effective January 1, 2005 of 75 cents an hour for graduate teaching assistants and 95 cents an hour for undergraduate teaching assistants, bringing their rates to $34.35 and $17.75 respectively.  On Sept. 1, 2005 these rates increase by another 80 cents per hour for all employees.  There are also significant increases to the benefit programs provided in the collective agreement and a number of improvements to its administrative provisions.<p><br />
<br />
The terms of the agreement coincide with the balance of the current provincial tuition freeze.  Outside the collective agreement the University has provided CUPE with a letter stating the University is not aware of any factors that would lead it to increase graduate tuition fees during the year following the end of this freeze. The letter also discusses the uncertainties of provincial University funding that face both the University and students.  Further, it undertakes to consider levels of student financial aid appropriate to the funding approach ultimately determined by the province.  <p><br />
<br />
"I am very pleased that we have been able to reach this agreement," said President Peter George. "Teaching assistants make a vital contribution to our students&#039; learning experience and are an important part of the McMaster community."

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