What is bargaining?

Bargaining is a cycle that comes up every three years where representatives from CUPE 3903 exchange proposals with representatives from the employer (York University). This process is a key part of how we fight for better collective agreements, which means better wages, working conditions, benefits, job security, and more. Think of whatever part of your contract you like most (health benefits, leaves, protections, etc.); every single one of these is the result of the bargaining process!

What is open bargaining? How can I participate in the process?

Open bargaining means that nothing that happens at the bargaining table is secret, and you, as a member, have every right to attend these hybrid meetings, pass notes to the bargaining team, and participate in caucus discussions. Many unions make the mistake of agreeing with employers to keep all or part of their bargaining secret. It’s your contract, so you should know everything that’s happening!

Membership engagement also shows the employer that the members support the bargaining demands. You can also get involved by attending General Membership Meetings and other bargaining related meetings, where you can hear reports from the bargaining team and vote on bargaining related matters! To learn more about when these are happening, sign up for the newsletter and check out the events calendar on our website.

What is a collective agreement?

The collective agreements are documents that lay out the responsibilities and rights between the employer and the union (as well as its members) - basically, a contract. Each three years, the collective agreements for each bargaining unit are re-negotiated.

Why does bargaining matter?

Inflation and a rising cost of living mean that a wage increase is necessary for members to be able to get by, live in proximity to their workplace, and provide a high standard of education.

Bargaining also secures and improves important funds like the Sexual Assault Survivor Support Fund, the Trans Fund, the Ways and Means Fund, the Extended Health Benefits Fund, and more. For more about funds, click here.

Another aspect of bargaining is better working conditions, which means putting forward proposals for things like grading turnaround times, to allow for better work life balance.

Strike Mandate Vote

What is a strike mandate vote?

A strike mandate vote does not necessarily lead to a strike. Instead, a strike mandate vote shows the employer that the membership supports our bargaining team and the proposals they’ve brought forward by allowing the bargaining team to call for a strike if certain terms are not met.

However, there are still additional steps before a strike could potentially happen. Strong turnouts for a strike mandate vote puts this important labour action tool on the table in order to build a better collective agreement for all of us.

Why have a strike mandate vote?

Having a strike mandate vote has two effects:

1. It shows the employer that we are serious about our proposals, and that the members are mobilizing to support them.

2. In the process of mobilizing, it helps the members prepare for a strike – in case we actually need one.

What kind of strike mandate vote do we need?

The most effective strike mandate vote has a high turnout (the number of members who vote) and a strong strike mandate (the proportion who vote yes).

The Employer will be much more fearful of a strike – and more likely to negotiate seriously – if they know that the vote represents a real threat, and not just a bluff.