There are differences between the agreements. For example, Unit 3 members are eligible for the same health coverage as other members. However, some benefits and funds are unit-specific. There are many other differences: pay rates, summer work guarantees, available funding, etc. See the collective agreements for more details.
To ensure representation of all units on union-wide bodies, our Executive Committee, our Bargaining Team, and some committees are required by our bylaws to include members from units 1, 2, 3 and 4. Although we organize as one union, each unit votes separately on whether to strike, for unit-specific positions on the Executive Committee and the Bargaining Team, and whether to ratify a tentative collective agreement.
Did you know members of CUPE 3903 are entitled to workplace accommodations for illness, disability, family status, and other Ontario Human Rights Code grounds?
Do you have family obligations that conflict with your work obligations? Find out about specific accommodations on the grounds of family-status and how to apply for these.
There are two reasons to get an extension to your graduate funding as a Unit 1 or Unit 3 member: Ontario Human Rights Code based grounds, or service on the union’s executive committee or bargaining team. Find out more here.
Learn more about the procedures and processes involved with name changes in the York systems, both as a student and as an employee!
Want to know more about hiring practices at York University and your equity rights?
You deserve a safe workplace, and it’s your right. Violence, harassment, and discrimination at work are never okay. You have support available if you experience any of these.
If you are caring for a newborn – whether you are the one giving birth or not, including adoptions – you have access to parental leave and other supports to maximize your time with your baby and make this transition as smooth as possible.
You may take a leave if you need time off for conferences, injuries or disabilities, jury duty, bereavement, care-giving, emergencies, sickness, or gender transition. In addition, Unit 2 members can take leaves for research.
Follow these instructions for how to enroll in health benefits! You must enroll manually to receive health benefits,
The Health Benefits you get as a CUPE 3903 member are excellent, cover all of your dependents, and do not cost you extra.
Do you have health care costs that would cause an undue financial burden and that are not covered by the Sun Life Insurance plan provided by our collective bargaining agreement? This is the fund for you.
Find out more about how to access subsidized daycare at York for CUPE 3903 members, either at the Lee Wiggins Childcare Centre or the York Co-Operative Day Care Centre. This was won in our Collective Agreement!
Funds are a collective investment where investors pool their money together to achieve a common goal. Benefits of funds include diversification, professional management, and high liquidity.
Grievances are the legal vehicle through which unions make complaints when there is a violation of the collective agreement (your contract) or labour law.
There is a comprehensive 2024-2025 Members’ Manual available that is a one-stop resource for many of the important facets of being a CUPE 3903 member! If you’re in Unit 1, Unit 2, or Unit 3, there are also updated 2024-2025 handbooks to understand more about being a member of those units specifically.
Want to know more about how to navigate York’s employee systems, payroll, and more? Check out this page! More information will be added over time.
CUPE 3903 represents the contract faculty, teaching assistants, graduate assistants, and research assistants, part-time librarians and archivists, and Canadian Observatory on Homelessness workers at York University.