York University and education workers reach tentative deal, union says

Teaching assistants, contract faculty and graduate assistants have been on the picket line since Feb. 26, pushing York University for better wages, job security and equity in the workplace. The move suspended classes for thousands of students just weeks before the end of the winter term and final exams. 

CUPE said the university’s final offer included some “meaningful improvements.”

One of the union’s biggest priorities was addressing issues created by Bill 124, a law from Premier Doug Ford’s government limiting annual wage increases to one per cent for public sector workers for three years. The law was found to be unconstitutional in February.

“Our final wage gains over the six years of the Bill 124 period (2020–23) and the renewal collective agreement (2023–26) are well below both what we were seeking and what our members deserve,” the union said.

“But at 14.8 per cent (or 17.8 per cent, inclusive of the 1 per cent per year already earned during the Bill 124 period), they are sector leading in many ways and that itself is an achievement.”

There were also agreements made regarding several funds, including a mentorship fund and a support fund for racialized members experiencing violence, harassment and discrimination.

York U students frustrated as strike drags on

Many students the Star spoke with on campus last Friday said they had held off on making summer plans or securing a job out of fear the strike may extend the academic year.

First-year commerce student Sean Day, who spent most of his high school years dealing with disruptions of the pandemic, had two of his four classes suspended. 

“It’s annoying, and it’s also confusing,” he told the Star last week. “I just want to get the credits and move on to next year.”

Since most of her courses have been on hold, Esha Mathur, a third-year international student from India, was concerned about having to make up the missed assignments once the strike is over.

“I can’t make any travel plans because of it,” she said. “I’m unable to go back home.”

In response to students’ concerns, York University deputy spokesperson Yanni Dagona said more emergency bursaries have been made available to cover non-tuition related costs, including additional living expenses, travel and childcare, and expanded options for course completion so students can stay on track for graduation or summer plans.

The university also created a tuition credit for undergraduate students who’ve withdrawn or will withdraw from their courses between Feb. 26 and the end of the remediation period. The credit can be used for course enrolments in either the summer or next school year. 

York U criticized for hiring temporary workers

In one course, York University took the “extraordinary measure” of securing new education workers so nursing students could finish their placements on time. But the move ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media, where the university was called out for “going around the union.”

Dagonas explained the university “secured” external “clinical faculty advisors” to help graduating nursing students complete their clinical course requirements. He said no students will be required to restart their practicum during the strike if they prefer to wait until it’s over, but noted that decision may delay their graduation.

“This is not a step taken lightly,” Dagonas said, “but York found it necessary to uphold commitments made to partner hospitals and to students” who will go on to become registered nurses.