University tables its best offer for settlement of all outstanding matters

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October 31, 2009

Posted 4:30 a.m. October 31

McMaster has tabled its best offer to CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1 and has requested the CUPE bargaining team unanimously recommend the offer for ratification by its members.

The University's offer raises the hourly pay rates of all TAs and RAs (in lieu of TAs)and increases the amount McMaster contributes towards employee dental benefits. The two-year proposal covers the time period of September 1, 2009 through to August 31, 2011.

“This is the best deal the University can offer,” says Peter Smith, associate vice-president academic and chair of the University bargaining committee. “We have worked hard since June and have remained focused on reaching an agreement that reflects the important role TAs and RAs play at the University. We have respectfully requested that the union leadership give TAs and RAs the opportunity to have their views heard by conducting a ratification vote on this offer.”

The offer was made early Saturday morning as two days of bargaining continued past the 12:01 a.m. strike deadline.

Highlights of the offer include:

  • Increased pay rates for graduate TAs and RAs to $39.40/hr from $38.00/hr over the course of the contract. Pay raises will be retroactive to September 1, 2009
  • Increased pay rates for undergraduate TAs to $22.15/hr from $20.75/hr over the course of the contract
  • University will contribute $150,000 towards the union administered benefit fund in each year of the contract
  • University will increase monthly contributions to TA and RA dental plan by $3.00 per eligible member – resulting in lower costs for all members
  • Protects TAs/RAs from working past the end of academic term
  • Enhances process of assigning work hours
  • Improves job guarantee provisions and bereavement leave

    The University had tabled a new offer during bargaining Friday afternoon that the union rejected early Saturday morning. That offer provided increased investments in benefits coupled with more modest pay increases. The final offer provides significant pay raises while maintaining the amount the University pays towards the union benefit plan and increasing the University contribution directly to the TA and RA dental plan.

    A highlight sheet is available here.