University, CUPE continue negotiations

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October 28, 2009

McMaster and CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1 will continue negotiations on a renewed collective agreement this Thursday and Friday. The union represents Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants (holding a Research Assistantship in lieu of a Teaching Assistantship).

These will be the fifth and sixth days of talks organized by the provincial conciliator. The University and union jointly requested the assistance of the conciliator in August. The parties have been negotiating since June and have agreement on a majority of contract language.

“At every one of the meetings scheduled by the conciliator, McMaster's focus has been on reaching a fair and sustainable agreement,” says Peter Smith, associate vice-president academic and chair of the University bargaining committee. “We've made considerable progress and believe a deal is within reach. We're eager to continue our discussions to finalize an agreement.”

The union will be in a legal strike position beginning 12:01 a.m. on October 31. McMaster will not lock out TAs and RAs. Classes will continue as scheduled should the union call a strike.

Highlights of the University's offer:

  • A pay increase of $1.30 per hour for all TAs and RAs (graduate TAs and RAs to $39.30/hour and undergraduate TAs to $22.05/hour)
  • McMaster will contribute $150,000 a year towards the union-administered benefits plan, an increase of 50% since 2005
  • The University will continue to pay two-thirds of the cost of the monthly dental plan
  • TAs and RAs will be protected from working past the end of the academic term
  • Improvements to how hours of work are assigned
  • Job guarantee and flexibility provisions will be improved

    More information about McMaster's offer including the complete text of the proposal can be found here.

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