CUPE Local 3904, Unit 3 (Teaching Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Lab Monitors, and Invigilators) Collective Agreement

January 2022

Ryerson and CUPE 3904 Unit 3 have, since August 9, 2021, been holding regular bargaining sessions with the intent of reaching a negotiated renewal of the Unit 3 collective agreement. Unit 3 represents Graduate Assistants, Teaching Assistants, Lab Monitors, Support Consultants and Invigilators at the University.

To date, the parties have met ten times and progress has been made on a number of key issues. The University has been encouraged by the generally positive, open and transparent approach to negotiations by both parties. This is particularly the case given the unique constraints and challenges posed by bargaining over Zoom.

On January 26, 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.

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 University looks forward to this opportunity to utilize the Ministry’s assistance in the conciliation process to achieve a fair and reasonable negotiated settlement. Negotiations will continue while a Conciliation Officer is being appointed.

June 2018

The University and CUPE Local 3904, Unit Three 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 June 18. Ratification by the University’s Board of Governors will follow shortly thereafter.

February, 2018

The current Collective Agreement between CUPE Local 3904, Unit 3 and the Board of Governors of Ryerson University expired on August 31, 2017. Negotiation of the new contract began on January 30, 2018. Currently the parties are still in the process of bargaining, and as such the 2014-2017 Collective Agreement remains in effect.