McMaster University and CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1 are continuing to negotiate a renewed collective agreement. CUPE represents part-time teaching assistants and research assistants (in lieu) at McMaster.

The two parties have been meeting for several months and are making progress. There is agreement on a majority of language in the new contract.

“While work remains, there has been significant agreement between the University and CUPE,” says Dean of Engineering Ishwar Puri, the chair of the University’s bargaining committee. “McMaster is committed to reaching terms reflecting the important work of the teaching assistants, while allowing the University to meet its core mission of providing the highest quality teaching and research within the current fiscal reality.”

The University and union have confirmed at least two more days of bargaining over the coming week. CUPE has informed the University it has scheduled a strike vote for Nov. 1. It has also applied for conciliation to help facilitate agreement on the outstanding issues.

“Conciliation is a normal part of the process and we look forward to working together to finalize an agreement,” Puri says.

There are 2,580 teaching assistants and research assistants in the bargaining unit. These are part time positions held by current students who help mark assignments and tests and provide classroom support to instructors.