The General Membership of CUPE 3903 affirms its solidarity with the staff of the York University Faculty Association (YUFA), who are represented by CUPE 1281. The commencement of a strike as of 12:01 a.m. on October 27 reflects unresolved and substantive concerns in the collective bargaining process. We urge YUFA to engage constructively and in good faith with its staff in order to reach an equitable and sustainable collective agreement.
CUPE 3903 members support CUPE 1281 members in their efforts to preserve the integrity of their bargaining unit and to prevent the erosion of unionized work through contracting-out. Of particular concern before the strike were proposals to establish senior administrative and legal positions outside the CUPE 1281 bargaining unit, including an Executive Director and an in-house legal counsel. These proposals persisted despite the presentation by staff of carefully developed, costed, and viable alternatives that would retain these functions within the bargaining unit. During the strike, a job ad for those management positions was posted by YUFA. The creation of excluded management positions raises serious questions about accountability, resource allocation, and adherence to democratic labour practices.
As workers within the York University community, 3903 members are acutely aware of the risks associated with the expansion of management structures at the expense of existing staff. Redirecting financial and organizational resources toward non-union positions has the potential to weaken the CUPE 1281 bargaining unit and to undermine the delivery of essential services to YUFA members. The General Membership of CUPE 3903 recognizes that labour standards established in one bargaining unit inevitably influence expectations and conditions across others. We encourage YUFA to consider approaches that prioritize the stability, expertise, and institutional knowledge of its staff.
We further emphasize the importance of meaningful engagement with CUPE 1281’s proposals related to workplace health and safety, particularly those addressing harassment and discrimination. Clear, enforceable protections in these areas are fundamental to maintaining a professional, respectful, and inclusive work environment. Prolonged delays in addressing these matters, particularly during conciliation, are inconsistent with the standards of care and responsibility expected within academic and unionized workplaces.
It is evident that CUPE 1281 members seek to resume their work in supporting and representing YUFA members. Their decision to strike underscores the essential nature of their contributions, especially within the broader context of fiscal constraint and increasing precarity affecting workers across the university sector. The General Membership of CUPE 3903 recognizes that labour standards established in one bargaining unit inevitably influence expectations and conditions across others.
CUPE 3903 and YUFA share a longstanding relationship grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to workers’ rights and safe workplaces. In recognition of this history, we call upon YUFA executive and members to act in accordance with their stated values and to conclude a fair and respectful agreement that acknowledges the indispensable role of its CUPE 1281 staff.