On June 10, 2026, CUPE 3903 served Notice to Bargain for Units 1, 2, and 3 (Teaching Assistants, Contract Faculty, and Graduate/Research Assistants respectively). The Collective Agreements for these three units expire on August 31, 2026. Serving this Notice begins the legal process of negotiating new agreements.
Every round of bargaining matters in its own way, but it is not an exaggeration to say that York University is teetering on the cusp of many profound changes that will impact our working conditions. From cuts to departments and possibly to a whole campus, to the increasing prominence of AI tools, bargaining is our opportunity to shape our working conditions, both now and for the future.
This is why we dropped off a paper copy to Faculty Relations in addition to the official emailed Notice. Unsurprisingly, there was no sign of anyone working in that office, despite the employer’s resistance to remote work when it comes to other employees.
You can find the Notice to Bargain, including the union’s information requests from the employer, here: 2026 Notice to Bargain.
After giving Notice, the next step is to wait for the employer to respond and find dates to meet. As the membership has now approved a large portion of the proposal package, we are ready to negotiate fair contracts for all three units.
Bargaining is a process by members, for members. The proposals were crafted by the elected bargaining team based on the results of the bargaining survey, and each proposal gets discussed and approved at a membership meeting. This process is far from over! As it is a bargaining year, General Membership Meetings (GMMs) will continue over the summer. The next GMM is June 25. You can also attend Bargaining Team meetings, or get plugged in with the Bargaining Mobilization Committee (formerly Stewards’ Council). See all upcoming meetings on the calendar!
As CUPE 3903 engages in open bargaining, member participation, engagement, and direction are necessary at all stages, especially once we are meeting with the employer. Stay up to date with our new bargaining hub!