The University and CUPE Local 3902 Unit 5 have been in negotiations for a renewal collective agreement since November 2016. CUPE 3902 Unit 5 represents only those postdocs who are paid exclusively by the University, either through PI grants or operating funds. Postdocs who bring their own funding or receive stipends through a hospital are not represented by the Union (if you would like more details regarding the composition of this bargaining unit please contact Labour Relations or Article 2:01 of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement).

The bargaining committees have met 16 times. As expected, both non-monetary and monetary proposals were tabled. The University and Union bargaining committees agreed, in keeping with customary labour relations norms, to address non-monetary items prior to commencing talks on monetary issues. The vast majority of non-monetary items have now been resolved and discussions are about to commence in respect of monetary proposals.

CUPE 3902, like most unions by this point in negotiations, has applied to the Minister of Labour for Conciliation. Greg Long, a mutually respected and trusted conciliation officer, has been appointed to assist the University and the Union in achieving an agreement. Most unions also conduct a strike vote as part of the negotiation process. CUPE has recently announced that a strike vote will be held in March, which can be a part of the collective bargaining process. The University remains optimistic about reaching a fair and reasonable renewal collective agreement this spring.