April 18, 2024
Open Letter Regarding the Use of Strikebreakers at York University
We join our voices to firmly and unequivocally condemn the repeated invitations extended by York University to strikebreakers – aka “scabs”– during the 2024 CUPE 3903 strike (ongoing at the time of writing).
The use of strikebreakers is widely recognized as a way for the Employers to further shift the balance of power to their advantage, yet it prolongs labour disputes and negatively impacts the efforts for fair and just collective bargaining. In doing so, the University delivers a blow to all workers in Ontario, by undermining acceptable and adequate working conditions.
We remind the University the main mandate of the newly created Office of the Equity, People and Culture (EP&C) is to “to build a stronger, more equitable and healthier workplace environment at York University”. For this new division not to be just a façade, the University needs to abide by the principles it promotes.
Sonny Day President, York University Staff Association
Arthur Hilliker President, York University Faculty Association
Mackenzie Edwards Chairperson, CUPE 3903
Frank D’Agostino President, CUPE 1356
OHFA Executive, Osgoode Hall Faculty Association