In an email update to the Carleton community on March 13th, the University indicated negotiations at the bargaining table have been going well and are proceeding in a “normal” and “timely” manner. We disagree!
Bargaining has been dragging on since August 2022. The employer is disorganized and often unprepared (or unwilling) to engage with proposals, effectively running out the clock and wasting our time – and YOUR money! In spite of delays, the your elected negotiation team has fought hard and made some important gains for Unit 1 members along the way. Recently, the team made gains on the TA assignment process, including:
- Receiving your assignment before the term starts
- Receiving your Assignment of Duties before you begin working
- Ability to apply for additional priority terms (1 for MA students, 2 for PhD)
Click here to see the bargaining summary tables.
However, there are still some significant outstanding issues including
Salary
TA-Student Ratio
End of Term
With only one scheduled meeting left before our strike deadline, Carleton must come to the table prepared to engage with your demands.
Carleton University needs to act NOW to avoid a strike!
Support the CUPE 4600 negotiation team by continuing to talk about the issues with your colleagues and keeping up pressure on the University to reach a fair deal at the table!
If you have grading due close to the strike deadline, you do not have to increase your work output in advance of the potential strike date. If your supervisor is directing you to finish your duties quickly, or early, be sure to get these communications in writing and forward them to the union. You are under no obligation to increase productivity in advance of a strike.
We understand these are challenging decisions, and we don’t send this update lightly. Unit 1 Members need to stand together to improve not only our working and material conditions, but also the quality of education we can provide students, without compromising our own studies. Your University experience should be about growth, not survival.
Remember, enduring the fight for a fair deal today means securing a better tomorrow for everyone!
Starting March 25th, we are no longer under the protection of a collective agreement. Starting March 27th, if the employer has not responded to the membership's redline demands, we will be walking off the job and onto the picket line.
Stay tuned for more information and instructions. There will be another Special General Membership Meeting near the end of the week.
You will be notified by CUPE 4600 if we are on strike.
In solidarity, The Bargaining Team
Sloane Mulligan, Unit 1 Lead Negotiator Noreen Cauley-Le Fevre, President Sarah Fiander, VP Internal Zoë Abernethy, VP Unit 1 Davide Ventrone, VP External Ewen Cameron, TA and Member Mobilizer Ariel Becherer, TA Codie Fortin Lalonde, Acting Business Agent and Organizer
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