Statement from the Executive Committee of USW Local 1998 on the University of Toronto’s Notice of Trespass Dated May 24, 2024 at 4:05 p.m.:
The Executive Committee of USW Local 1998 expresses its deep disappointment with the University of Toronto for its decision to issue a notice of trespass to the participants in the St. George encampment protest with the implied threat of forceful removal. The Executive Committee is troubled and alarmed with the University’s position that U of T faculty, librarians and staff who are not in compliance with the notice of trespass could face discipline, up to and including termination.
The Executive supports the right to peaceful protest and recognizes that there are times when civil disobedience is a necessary action. If USW members (including those who are also students) choose to attend the encampment/protest site, they should do so outside of their working hours to avoid being disciplined by the employer for being absent from work. Given the University’s May 24 at 4:05 p.m. notice of trespass announcement, we must note that there is a potential for the University to issue discipline to Local 1998 members who violate the terms laid out in the notice of trespass, even if they do so on their own time. If the University issues discipline to a member in response to the member’s support of, or participation in, the encampment protest based on the terms and conditions of a collective agreement or any University rule or policy, the Union can support and represent them. However, if the University terminates a Local 1998 member, the Union cannot guarantee that the filing of a grievance will lead to the member’s reinstatement.
We encourage the University of Toronto to, instead of relying on threats, work towards a settlement and peaceful resolution with the protesters through sincere and meaningful dialogue with them.