TORONTO, April 24, 2009 -- York University is pleased to announce that all three units of CUPE 3903 have ratified three-year collective agreements that include wage increases of three per cent per year over three years, plus other benefits.
“This negotiated agreement upholds York’s guiding principle of promoting the best interests of our students based upon academic integrity and financial sustainability,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, York University’s president and vice-chancellor. “York University values the skills and talents of our employees represented by CUPE 3903 and we also acknowledge the Union’s bargaining team for its constructive approach during the mediated sessions over the past two months that was key to reaching this agreement.”
Shoukri continued, “We can wholeheartedly press forward with the academic mission of the University to serve our 50,000 students. I trust that together we can create an atmosphere of greater cooperation during the life of this contract that will benefit the entire York community for many years to come.”
The ratified deal is in line with what was offered to the union prior to the strike that commenced in November, and is in line with the other agreements reached with other union groups on campus, including another CUPE local.
“The York community needs a sustained period of labour stability so we can fulfill our academic commitments to those we serve. Consequently, we will be taking a hard look at our relationships, policies and practices to build on this latest agreement,’ Dr. Shoukri continued.
“As we mark our 50th anniversary in 2009, York University has many goals to pursue for the future, including the establishment of a medical school, growing our ever-expanding research base, accommodating enrolment growth in the GTA, to name but a few. There is so much for all of us to achieve together.”
York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as more than 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 26 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.
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Contact:
Keith Marnoch
Assoc. Director, Media Relations
York University
416-736-2100 ext. 22091,
marnoch@yorku.ca
FAQ Background
Are classes affected at all by the result of this vote?
No. All University operations continue as normal.
How long is the period of the agreement?
Three years.
What are the details of the agreement?
In broad terms, the agreement provides for 3 per cent per year over three years, plus other improvements.
Isn’t that less than what was previously offered?
In monetary terms, the wages amount is less as during the mediated negotiations, the union chose to divert some funds from wages into other areas.
Where can I see the settlement in detail?
A summary of the settlement is attached below.
Is this settlement in line with other union agreements on campus?
Yes. It is financially in line with agreements reached with other campus unions including with another CUPE local.
Was this agreement negotiated or arbitrated?
It was negotiated by the two parties with the assistance of a mediator/arbitrator.
Why did it succeed this time but not before?
The mediator/arbitrator has the power to impose an arbitrated solution if the parties are unable to reach an agreement.
SUMMARY OF RATIFIED SETTLEMENT
Term of New Collective Agreements
· 3 years, concluding August 31, 2011
Wage Increases
· 3% in each of years 1, 2 and 3
Tuition Protection
· Agreement with CUPE 3903 on continuation of tuition protection for the term of new Collective Agreements
Enhanced Job Security for Unit 2 Contract Faculty
· Long-Service Teaching Appointments (LSTAs) inside the CUPE Local 3903 Unit 2 Collective Agreement
o 7 LSTAs in each year of the collective agreement
o LSTAs are comprised of 3 full-course equivalents per year inside CUPE 3903 collective agreement
o Appointments are based on hiring unit teaching needs, quality of applicant’s teaching file; and seniority
o Rate is the prevailing course directorship (CD) or CD-equivalent rate plus $1500 per CD or CD-equivalent
o 3 year term - non-renewable
· 2 tenure stream “conversion appointments” in each year of the collective agreement
Fund Improvements
· Increases in 9 funds in year 1 to at least their highest per member amount since 2003-04 (i.e., fund catch up)
· Significant further increases to 5 funds, including Professional Development Fund, Graduate Bursary and Research Costs Funds (Unit 1), Conference Travel and Research Grants Funds (Unit 2) and GA Bursary Fund (Unit 3)
· Agreement with CUPE 3903 on indexation of the above-noted 9 funds for future growth in bargaining unit membership
Benefit Improvements
· New extended health care benefits plan for paramedical services fully indexed for future bargaining unit membership growth (replacing and improving benefit coverage protection for members as compared to the current capped Benefits Fund of $175,000)
· New extended health care supplemental benefits fund of $55,000 in year 1 and $100,000 in year 2 and thereafter to assist in the cost of services not provided under new extended health care benefits plan
· Improvements in dental care benefit, including an increase in the annual maximum from $2000 to $3000
· Improvements in Vision Care, including an increase from a maximum of $300 every two years to a maximum of $400 every two years.
· New post-retirement benefits plan providing annual health care spending accounts of $1500 per member (i.e., the same level provided for CUPE 1356 and IUOE)
Improvements to Paid Leaves
· Increases in length of paid Parental Leave, Adoption Leave and Compassionate Leave
Increase in Minimum Guarantee (Unit 1)
· Increase in additional funding for Priority Pool Members from $4764 to $5000 starting in year 1 of the new Collective Agreement
Parity between Unit 1 and Unit 3
· Addition of Unit 1 paid leave provisions to Unit 3, including paid Sick Leave, Conference Leave and Emergency Leave
· Unit 3 Graduate Financial Assistance for Visa students increased from $590 to $715 for Fall & Winter term effective September 1, 2009
Employment Equity
· Agreement with CUPE 3903 with new employment equity language, including language relating to the development of an employment equity plan, surveys and a new self identification provision for Unit 2
