USWLocal 1998 Stands in Solidarity with CUPE
USW Local 1998
Our union colleagues in CUPE 1230, CUPE 3261 and CUPE 3902 Unit 1 & Unit 5 are currently bargaining with the University of Toronto to establish new contracts for their members. Members in these units are library workers, bus drivers, campus mail workers, cleaners, ground workers, caretakers, food services personnel, teaching assistants, course instructors, exam invigilators, and postdoctoral researchers. Each CUPE unit is at a slightly different stage of bargaining and in a slightly different stage of their strike mandate voting process, but all their bargaining teams are working tirelessly to achieve fair collective agreements for their members.
As reported by CUPE 3902 in their bargaining update last week, the University administration continues to delay contract negotiations and has not yet provided proposals on fair wages, transit coverage, clearer work standards, or better health care benefits.
Like the work performed by members of USW Local 1998’s units, the University of Toronto would not function without the essential labour of CUPE 1230, CUPE 3261, and CUPE 3902 workers. Their fight for better working conditions is a battle for better quality of education. CUPE workers’ well-being is the well-being of students, staff, faculty, and the larger U of T community.
CUPE 3261 and 3902 Unit 1 & Unit 5 will be in a legal strike position as of Monday, March 4, 2024.
In the event of a CUPE strike:
- We strongly encourage USW Local 1998 members not to initiate doing the work of CUPE colleagues.
- Show your support by joining one of the picket lines on campus either before work, during the lunch hour or after work.
- Report to management any issues regarding health and safety or quality issues about cleaning, maintenance, or food.
USW Local 1998 is concerned that USW members may be asked by management to do CUPE work. If this happens to you, please contact Local 1998 (info@usw1998.ca) immediately so we can review your situation and connect with our CUPE allies if necessary.
CUPE Rally Tomorrow (February 28, 2024)
We encourage all USW Local 1998 members to join fellow workers from CUPE 1230, CUPE 3261, and CUPE 3902 Unit 1 & Unit 5 in an empowering rally of solidarity tomorrow, Wednesday, February 28th. This event is an opportunity to unite and express our collective strength with colleagues across campus. Make your voice heard!
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Sidney Smith Hall
Address: 100 St. George St. (Map)
Remember, your presence makes a difference and contributes to the solidarity of our unions. Join us at the rally before your workday, after your workday, or during your break to demonstrate your support!