TMU remains eager to return to bargaining table with CUPE 233

Toronto Metropolitan University greatly values the work of all employee groups, including our CUPE 233 members. The university’s primary goal continues to be reaching a negotiated renewal of the collective agreement with CUPE 233.

We are disappointed that the union is not sharing accurate information about the university’s wages and pension; TMU is committed to providing our community with accurate information. As the strike is now in its second week, we are eager for the union to return to the negotiating table and focus on a path forward.

The university has provided CUPE 233 with a competitive and fair offer that is in line with other recent settlements internally and in the broader public sector, balanced with the fiscal realities at the university. It also includes significant commitments to job security for members of the union during the term of the agreement.

Fiscal realities, as well as compliance with government regulations, inform all of TMU’s compensation decisions. Executive salaries have been frozen since 2010 and management salaries have been subject to Bill 124 limitations for the previous two years. Despite what CUPE 233 has indicated, management at TMU did not receive an across-the-board increase of 15% last year. 

With regard to pension, the university has offered CUPE 233 greater transparency and decision making powers while maintaining the language regarding equal contribution that has been in place for at least 30 years. It’s important to note that the university agrees with our unions that there should not be a two-tiered pension plan. Pension equity is a priority for this university with all employee groups.

As stewards of the pension plan, TMU has a responsibility to ensure that the plan remains sustainable over the long-term and that employee pensions are protected now and into the future. Four of the five employee groups who participate in the pension plan share equal contributions; if the university moves further away from equal contributions it would put all employees’ pensions at risk in the long-term. 

The current offer also includes other additional enhancements and improvements. It does not remove anything from the current agreement. 

The university is eager to continue discussions

The university is ready to continue discussions with the goal of reaching a negotiated agreement.

In the meantime, we encourage our community to continue to monitor the Bargaining Updates website for key information including frequently asked questions.