Are you a Unit 1 member who has submitted a petition for an extension to time limits on a code-based ground (disability, family status, etc.)? If so, we are asking you to please send your decision letter to Nadia Kanani, Staff Representative Equity, at equity@cupe3903.org.
Despite being obligated to by a grievance settlement, the employer consistently fails to provide petition decision letters to the union. Getting these letters as quickly as possible is important! If FGS has denied your extension, we may be able to file a grievance to fight for you. Arbitration hearings on the extension petitions that were denied last academic year will start in December 2025.
Even if your petition is approved, please forward your decision letter so that we can have a full record. FGS is claiming that they have sent along all letters when we have proof that they have not. Sending along your letter, whether an approval or a denial, will help us figure out the scale of this problem.
This failure to provide petition decision letters is part of a broader pattern of employer malfeasance regarding graduate students whose studies are impacted by protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including students with disabilities and single-parents.
Later this summer, we will be posting more information on the multiple ongoing grievances and arbitrations on this topic, as well as what CUPE 3903 is doing about it.