We have created a fun children's space at the Strike HQ complete with blankets, toys, games, videos, food and more. Members passing through, visiting and working in the office are encouraged to bring their children, however caregivers must remain on site with them.
The union is also continuing to administer our child-care subsidy. Please visit HQ for child-care expense forms for reimbursement.
For more information, please contact Maria Wallis, Unit 2 VP, at wallismariarose92@yahoo.com.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
What’s up with binding arbitration?!!!
... and what is York’s real position?
York University continues to focus on binding arbitration as if it’s in the best interests of students and everybody …. But is this true?
In past statements on binding arbitration, York U representatives have said:
“[B]inding arbitration risks handing over the future of the institution to a third party who cannot possibly appreciate the subtleties and complexities of a university such as York.”[1]
“Arbitration is not a solution to the difficult issues that divide us. It effectively acknowledges the incapacity of the parties to reach what is needed - a mutually agreed upon settlement - and substitutes a decision that neither party owns.”[2]
“Arbitration, in effect, places the academic future of York in the hands of an individual who has no continuing interest in, or commitment to, the University. The administration does not consider this to be a responsible way of resolving the dispute.”[3]
So why exactly is the University reversing its official position on binding arbitration when it comes to negotiating with CUPE 3903?
Is CUPE 3903 unreasonable to refuse binding arbitration as a “solution?”
The administration itself has said that it “does not consider this to be a responsible way of resolving the dispute.” CUPE 3903 is NOT opposed to meeting with a third party negotiator. In fact, we have been in communication with a mediator appointed by the Ministry of Labour for over one month. The University’s continued calls for “binding arbitration” simply demonstrate their unwillingness to address the real issues and concerns of CUPE 3903.
Why haven’t the two sides met until now?
Mediation requires BOTH sides to negotiate. The University’s administration has wasted a valuable week of negotiating time by continuing to press for binding arbitration despite its OWN clear opposition to it in the past. Until today (Thurs. Nov. 13) they have refused to meet with CUPE 3903’s representatives and the government appointed negotiator to work out a settlement.
If York’s administration is as committed to students’ concerns as they claim to be, why have they waited an entire week to come back to the table?
Binding arbitration...
It was a bad idea then, and it’s a worse idea now.
It was a bad idea then, and it’s a worse idea now.
[1][2][3] Quoted from the York University archive on past negotiations with the York University Faculty Association (YUFA). To see the original, click here.
Hardship Fund for CUPE 3903 Members
CUPE 3903 STRIKE HARDSHIP FUND FAQ
CUPE 3903 recognizes that members will experience hardship due to the loss of
wages during the strike and therefore has set up a system for adding to the
strike pay. A strike hardship fund committee has been set up to disburse needs
based bursaries as well as interest free loans in the event that the strike
continues into the next scheduled pay period.
Q. Who is eligible?
A. All CUPE 3903 members who actively support the strike through picketing or
through alternative picket duties and who experience hardship as a result of
the strike are encouraged to apply. Those who are unable to picket and have
not already done so are encouraged to enquire about alternative picket duties
(alternativeduty.3903@gmail.com).
Q. What is the difference between the bursary and the interest free loan?
A. CUPE 3903 will be able to offer members bursaries to alleviate hardship
during the strike. If after receiving bursary funds members still experience
hardship they will be able to apply for an interest free loan. This loan will
be owed to CUPE 3903 and will become payable at the end of the strike and only
after members have started to receive their wages. The strike benefits
committee will bring forward a proposal at an upcoming GMM for the membership’s
approval that will suggest bursary amounts to be disbursed and to be set aside
for loans.
Q. What if I experience hardship before the next pay date?
A. The CUPE 3903 Ways and Means Committee will continue to process applications
until November 17th and members are encouraged to apply to this committee.
Q. How can I apply?
A. Applications for bursaries and interest free loans will be available on the
CUPE 3903 website, at the CUPE 3903 temporary office at 635 Petrolia Road (East of the York U Campus) and at picket lines as early as November 17th 2008.
Q. How are the funds disbursed?
A. The Strike Benefits committee will be meeting on a regular basis after November
17th 2008 to adjudicate and disburse funds and process interest free loans.
Once the funds are ready for pick up the applicants will be notified.
Q. Is this a confidential process?
A. Yes. Committee members maintain the strictest possible confidence regarding
applications.
Q. What do I need to apply?
A. Similar to CUPE 3903’s Ways and Means fund, members will only be asked to
offer a minimal amount of details concerning their financial status and needs.
The committee’s priority is to fund members through this process in an
equitable manner, with as little delay as possible.
Q. Is there a limit on how many times I can apply?
A. NO. Unlike the Ways and Means Funds, members are able to apply for these
funds as needed. Receiving funds in November will NOT make you ineligible to
receive funds the following month.
Q. What about Childcare?
A. CUPE 3903 will maintain its childcare fund and therefore members who have to
incur childcare expense due to the strike will be able to request funds for
this purpose. To enquire about alternative picket duties and child friendly
picket lines please contact alternativeduty.3903@gmail.com.
Q. What about transportation costs?
A. Bursary funds will be disbursed based on need and transportation is one of
the many reasons that members may apply to the hardship fund.
Q. What about my regular CUPE 3903 Health Benefits?
A. The CUPE 3903 Executive announced on November 5th that they will ensure our
members’ benefits continue during the strike.
If you have any other questions please direct them to:
cupe3903strikebenefits@gmail.com
CUPE 3903 recognizes that members will experience hardship due to the loss of
wages during the strike and therefore has set up a system for adding to the
strike pay. A strike hardship fund committee has been set up to disburse needs
based bursaries as well as interest free loans in the event that the strike
continues into the next scheduled pay period.
Q. Who is eligible?
A. All CUPE 3903 members who actively support the strike through picketing or
through alternative picket duties and who experience hardship as a result of
the strike are encouraged to apply. Those who are unable to picket and have
not already done so are encouraged to enquire about alternative picket duties
(alternativeduty.3903@gmail.com).
Q. What is the difference between the bursary and the interest free loan?
A. CUPE 3903 will be able to offer members bursaries to alleviate hardship
during the strike. If after receiving bursary funds members still experience
hardship they will be able to apply for an interest free loan. This loan will
be owed to CUPE 3903 and will become payable at the end of the strike and only
after members have started to receive their wages. The strike benefits
committee will bring forward a proposal at an upcoming GMM for the membership’s
approval that will suggest bursary amounts to be disbursed and to be set aside
for loans.
Q. What if I experience hardship before the next pay date?
A. The CUPE 3903 Ways and Means Committee will continue to process applications
until November 17th and members are encouraged to apply to this committee.
Q. How can I apply?
A. Applications for bursaries and interest free loans will be available on the
CUPE 3903 website, at the CUPE 3903 temporary office at 635 Petrolia Road (East of the York U Campus) and at picket lines as early as November 17th 2008.
Q. How are the funds disbursed?
A. The Strike Benefits committee will be meeting on a regular basis after November
17th 2008 to adjudicate and disburse funds and process interest free loans.
Once the funds are ready for pick up the applicants will be notified.
Q. Is this a confidential process?
A. Yes. Committee members maintain the strictest possible confidence regarding
applications.
Q. What do I need to apply?
A. Similar to CUPE 3903’s Ways and Means fund, members will only be asked to
offer a minimal amount of details concerning their financial status and needs.
The committee’s priority is to fund members through this process in an
equitable manner, with as little delay as possible.
Q. Is there a limit on how many times I can apply?
A. NO. Unlike the Ways and Means Funds, members are able to apply for these
funds as needed. Receiving funds in November will NOT make you ineligible to
receive funds the following month.
Q. What about Childcare?
A. CUPE 3903 will maintain its childcare fund and therefore members who have to
incur childcare expense due to the strike will be able to request funds for
this purpose. To enquire about alternative picket duties and child friendly
picket lines please contact alternativeduty.3903@gmail.com.
Q. What about transportation costs?
A. Bursary funds will be disbursed based on need and transportation is one of
the many reasons that members may apply to the hardship fund.
Q. What about my regular CUPE 3903 Health Benefits?
A. The CUPE 3903 Executive announced on November 5th that they will ensure our
members’ benefits continue during the strike.
If you have any other questions please direct them to:
cupe3903strikebenefits@gmail.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Allies - Come and support! - Wed. Nov 12
Sister & Brother Unions & Progressive Community Allies
Come out in support of a tough struggle in tough times!
Please join our Solidarity Rally with striking CUPE 3903 workers at York U.
WHEN: TODAY - Wed. Nov. 12th at 1pm
WHERE: York Boulevard and Keele Street - click here for map
WHAT: join the picket at York University’s Main Gate
Take the 196 Bus from the Downsview subway station straight to the main gate.
CUPE 3903 - Contract Faculty, Teaching and Graduate Assistants at York University went out on strike at 12:01am Thursday November 6th, 2008. We rejected a regressive offer and are fighting for job security, decent wages and benefits and accessible education for all!
Help boost our morale!
The rally starts at 1pm Wednesday November 12th. We’re asking union members, community groups, and all Torontonians who are our allies and supporters to come to our picket-line and show your solidarity with our tough struggle for fair compensation and accessible education in these tough times. We look forward to seeing you all!
Send messages of solidarity to:
3903hq@gmail.com with the subject: “solidarity message”
More ways to show your solidarity:
• Come out to our picket-lines Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm
• Send letters to editors supporting our strike & pressing the York administration address our proposals at the bargaining table – not in the media!
• Put out a press release from your local in support of our strike action
• Bring food and moral support to the line
• Send donations to CUPE 3903 635 Petrolia Rd. Toronto, ON M3J 2X8
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
CUPE 3903 Members: all about Strike Pay
Strike Pay FAQ
Q. How do I get strike pay?
A. 1. Make sure you are signed up for strike duty, which includes:
i) picketing
ii) alternate duties
iii) coordinating strike duties
2. Sign-in and out of strike duties with a picket captain (at a picketing location) or at
the strike head quarters.
Q. Who is eligible for strike pay?
A. You are eligible for strike pay if you have a current contract with the university and have withdrawn your labour during the strike.
Q. How much is strike Pay?
A. Members will be paid for a maximum of 20 hours per week (4 hours of picketing 5 days a week). Each member will receive $200/wk for maximum picket duty.
Q. What if I Picket for less than 20 hours?
A. Members can picket for a minimum of 4 hours a week. The pay for one shift of picketing is $40.
Q. How often do we get paid?
A. The strike pay week is from Monday to Friday. Pay for picketing in a given week will be ready for pick-up on the following Friday.
Q. How do I get my cheques?
A. Cheques will be delivered to your picket line on the following Friday of your pay week at each shift. Cheques left over will be delivered on the Monday and Tuesday following that Friday. After that, cheques will be available at the strike head quarters.
For those who are on alternate duties, cheques can be picked up at the strike head quarters located just east of the York campus at: 635 Petrolia Rd, Toronto On, M3J 2X8
Q. What if I can’t come to the office to pick up my cheque?
A. Under serious circumstances where members will not be able to pick up cheque(s) in person we will mail them out. Please email your address/contact details to: Strikepay3903@gmail.com
Q. Does Strike pay work the same for members who are doing alternate duties?
A. Yes, all of the pay details above are the same.
Q. How do I get strike pay?
A. 1. Make sure you are signed up for strike duty, which includes:
i) picketing
ii) alternate duties
iii) coordinating strike duties
2. Sign-in and out of strike duties with a picket captain (at a picketing location) or at
the strike head quarters.
Q. Who is eligible for strike pay?
A. You are eligible for strike pay if you have a current contract with the university and have withdrawn your labour during the strike.
Q. How much is strike Pay?
A. Members will be paid for a maximum of 20 hours per week (4 hours of picketing 5 days a week). Each member will receive $200/wk for maximum picket duty.
Q. What if I Picket for less than 20 hours?
A. Members can picket for a minimum of 4 hours a week. The pay for one shift of picketing is $40.
Q. How often do we get paid?
A. The strike pay week is from Monday to Friday. Pay for picketing in a given week will be ready for pick-up on the following Friday.
Q. How do I get my cheques?
A. Cheques will be delivered to your picket line on the following Friday of your pay week at each shift. Cheques left over will be delivered on the Monday and Tuesday following that Friday. After that, cheques will be available at the strike head quarters.
For those who are on alternate duties, cheques can be picked up at the strike head quarters located just east of the York campus at: 635 Petrolia Rd, Toronto On, M3J 2X8
Q. What if I can’t come to the office to pick up my cheque?
A. Under serious circumstances where members will not be able to pick up cheque(s) in person we will mail them out. Please email your address/contact details to: Strikepay3903@gmail.com
Q. Does Strike pay work the same for members who are doing alternate duties?
A. Yes, all of the pay details above are the same.
3903 Members: Sign-up for picket duty!
CAN'T come to picket on the lines? Click here.
CUPE 3903 strike pickets at York U
If you haven't already signed up, there's no time like the present!
Missing York? Coming to the picket lines is a real balm for the anxious, frustrated and disconnected soul. Each location has swiftly developed its own culture of expression and mutual support - from home cooked food to live jam sessions and everything in between.
Updates and backgrounders on the strike and its implications are now delivered to the line everyday, and drivers and passers-by are engaging AND understanding us more and more on the principles of our stand. We're connecting with the community and ourselves. It feels great!
Come and be counted! See the links below for your department and gate.
CAN'T come to the lines? Click here.
p.s. don't forget to sign-in at your pickets so you'll get your strike pay!
Founders Road
History
http://historypicket.blogspot.com/
Anthropology
http://anthropopicket.blogspot.com/
Critical Disability Studies
http://criticpicket.blogspot.com/
York Boulevard
SPT
http://sptstrikemobilization.blogspot.com/
Sciences
http://sciencespicket.blogspot.com/
Education
http://educationpicket.blogspot.com/
Schulich
http://schulichpicket.blogspot.com/
Pond Road
Humanities
http://humapicket.blogspot.com/
Fine Arts
http://fineartspicket.blogspot.com/
Economics
http://economicspicket.blogspot.com/
Philosophy
http://philopicket.blogspot.com/
Sentinel Road
Political Science
http://strikeschedule-polisci.blogspot.com/
Music/Film/Theatre
http://MFTpicket.blogspot.com/
Art History
http://arthistopicket.blogspot.com/
Communications-Culture
http://commcultpicket.blogspot.com/
Chimney Stack Road
Social Work
http://socialworkpicket.blogspot.com/
Women’s studies
http://womenspicket.blogspot.com/
Psychology
http://psychopicket.blogspot.com/
Shoreham Drive
Sociology
http://strikeschedule.blogspot.com/
Geography
http://geographypicket.blogspot.com/
Mathematics
http://mathpicket.blogspot.com/
Northwest Gate
English
http://englishstrike.blogspot.com/
FES
http://FESpicket.blogspot.com/
Glendon Campus
http://glendonpicket.blogspot.com/
Strike Duty Alternatives & Hardship
CAN'T Picket on the York Lines?
Alternative Strike Duty is available for members who face physical/medical /legal/familial circumstances that prevent them from standing on a picket line. As systems get set up at HQ, tasks and projects are becoming apparent for those on Alt-Duties. Please bear with us in getting you connected. Your strike pay will not be affected by these delays. :>
To sign up for alternative duties contact alternativeduty.3903@gmail.com.
Hardship Funds
If you're already feeling the pinch from the strike, CUPE 3903 has a fund (grants and temporary relief loans) to help members in emergencies. The committee met this week to finalize the hardship fund guidelines and protocol. Stay tuned!
In the meantime please contact cupe3903strikebenefits@gmail.com or call Strike HQ at Tel: 416-661-3394 with any urgent concerns or questions.
Alternative Strike Duty is available for members who face physical/medical /legal/familial circumstances that prevent them from standing on a picket line. As systems get set up at HQ, tasks and projects are becoming apparent for those on Alt-Duties. Please bear with us in getting you connected. Your strike pay will not be affected by these delays. :>
To sign up for alternative duties contact alternativeduty.3903@gmail.com.
Hardship Funds
If you're already feeling the pinch from the strike, CUPE 3903 has a fund (grants and temporary relief loans) to help members in emergencies. The committee met this week to finalize the hardship fund guidelines and protocol. Stay tuned!
In the meantime please contact cupe3903strikebenefits@gmail.
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