York University Negotiations to Continue Monday
Posted by York RN on January 5, 2009
Source: Toronto Star
by RAVEENA AULAKH Jan. 4, 2009 at 9:25 pmYork University and the union representing its striking workers have still not reached an agreement but it’s a good sign that talks haven’t broken down, said a union member.
“Talks are still going on – that’s a very good thing,” said Christina Rousseau, chair of CUPE 3903.
University officials and union representatives will resume bargaining Monday after negotiations broke up late Sunday night. The two sides have been working with a mediator since Saturday to reach a deal. The strike has shut down campus since Nov. 6 when 3,400 teaching assistants, contract faculty and graduate assistants walked off the job. This is the third attempt at reaching an agreement since the strike began.
Workers are demanding better job security, benefits, wages and a two-year contract that will expire at the same time as other Ontario university unions, giving the Canadian Union of Public Employees more province-wide bargaining clout.
Rousseau said job security is a big point of contention.
“We want a special contract which gives members five years instead of the 8 months they have now,” she said last night. “That will allow them to do some long-term planning.”
Money for child care and professional development is also at issue.
A York University spokesperson was not available to comment.
