McMaster TAs win contract improvements

Strike Averted!

HAMILTON, Ont. – McMaster University teaching assistants (TAs), represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), reached a tentative agreement with the university late last night. Details of the settlement will not be available until after a ratification vote scheduled for early next week.

“We are pleased that we were able to reach an agreement and avoid a strike that would have hurt our members, students and McMaster,” said Philippa Carter, president of CUPE 3906. “Our negotiating team will be recommending that members approve the deal, that includes improvements in wages and benefits.”

The new agreement will cover over 1850 TAs, who teach, grade and help students at McMaster University. If it is ratified, the new contract will expire on August 31, 2006.

“This agreement is a good starting point for our members and management to further address the issue of rising tuition fees,” said Carter. “We will continue to raise awareness about this critical issue. Affordable education will remain a key objective in our next round of bargaining.”