Labour relations update: 11 agreements reached since the spring

In a busy six months for labour negotiations, the University and unions representing employee groups at the University of Toronto have reached 11 renewal collective agreements, all without labour disputes or disruptions. These 11 agreements cover more than 10,000 U of T employees, well over half of the University’s unionized workforce.

“It’s been an intense and productive period for labour negotiations,” said Kelly Hannah-Moffat, vice-president, human resources and equity. “Every one of these agreements required creativity, hard work and commitment from the bargaining teams. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Seven renewal agreements have been reached with various CUPE locals, starting in May with CUPE 3902 Unit 5 representing postdoctoral fellows and, most recently, with CUPE 1230 Library workers, CUPE 2484 Early Childhood Education workers, and CUPE 3902 Unit 3 sessional instructors.

In September, the University signed a renewal agreement with its largest administrative and technical employee group represented by USW 1998. Later in the fall, the USW 1998 Casual unit ratified a renewal agreement. 

The University is currently in labour negotiations for a renewal collective agreement with CUPE 3902 Unit 1, which represents teaching assistants, and anticipates starting negotiations with OPSEU 519, representing campus police, imminently. 

The full list of employee groups that have reached renewal agreements in 2017:

• CUPE Local 1230: full- and part-time library workers employed in the University’s central library system
• CUPE Local 1230, Student Casual: student casual library workers employed in the University’s central library system
• CUPE Local 2484: daycare workers and support staff
• CUPE Local 3261: full- and regular part-time service workers, including caretakers, grounds staff, drivers, laboratory animal technicians and athletic attendants
• CUPE Local 3261, Casual: casual service workers on all three campuses
• CUPE Local 3902 Unit 3: sessional instructors
• CUPE Local 3902 Unit 5: postdoctoral fellows
• IBEW Local 353: machinists
• OPSEU Local 578: research officers and associates at OISE
• USW Local 1998 Staff Appointed: full- and part-time administrative and technical staff
• USW Local 1998 Casual: casual administrative and technical staff on all three campuses