CUPE Local 3904, Unit 1 (Part-Time and Sessional Contract Lecturers) Collective Agreement

February 9, 2022

Ryerson and CUPE 3904 Unit 1 are currently in negotiations with the goal of reaching a negotiated renewal of the Unit 1 collective agreement. Negotiations began on September 13, 2021. Unit 1 represents Contract Lecturers at the University.

On February 8, 2022, CUPE 3904 advised the University that it filed a request with the Ontario Ministry of Labour for the appointment of a Conciliation Officer under the Ontario Labour Relations Act. Conciliation (external link)  is a normal part of the bargaining process where the Conciliation Officer tries to help the University and the Union reach a collective agreement.

The parties have met a total of thirteen times and we have made progress on a wide number of key issues. To date, negotiations have been positive, open and transparent despite the challenges of negotiating virtually.

In this round of negotiations, the Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019 (Bill 124) restricts the University’s ability to negotiate compensation increases. Over a three-year period, wage increases are required to be limited to 1% per year. Total compensation increases are similarly capped at 1% per year.

The parties will continue to negotiate while a Conciliation Officer is being appointed. We remain committed to reaching a fair and reasonable negotiated settlement.

March 5, 2018

The members of CUPE Local 3904, Unit One and the Negotiations Committee of the University’s Board of Governors have both ratified the tentative agreement for a new collective agreement reached by the parties. The new agreement is retroactive to August 16, 2017 and runs for four years expiring August 15, 2021. Both parties are pleased to have reached a negotiated settlement. Details of the settlement will be made available shortly.

February 2018

The University and CUPE Local 3904, Unit One have reached a tentative settlement for a new collective agreement. The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by the Union membership and the University’s Board of Governors. The union will be conducting a ratification vote the week of February 26. Ratification by the University’s Board of Governors will follow shortly thereafter.

December 2017

Ryerson University is committed to reaching a renewal collective agreement with CUPE Local 3904, Unit 1, which represents approximately 970 part-time and sessional Contract Lecturers.

After twenty-two days of collective bargaining meetings since May 26, 2017, the parties have made significant progress, but a number of issues remain outstanding. The union has filed for conciliation, and the Ministry of Labour has appointed a Conciliation Officer who will meet with the parties shortly.

The University looks forward to this opportunity to utilize the Ministry’s assistance in the conciliation process to achieve a fair and reasonable negotiated settlement.

October 2017

The current Collective Agreement between CUPE Local 3904, Unit 1 and the Board of Governors of Ryerson University expired on August 15, 2017. Negotiation of the new contract began on May 26, 2017. Currently the parties are still in the process of bargaining, and as such the 2014-2017 Collective Agreement remains in effect.