"Talking always better than not talking" - CUPE 3903 presents proposals to resolve 13-week strike and 'save the summer'

TORONTO, May 30, 2018 /CNW/ - In an effort to resolve a 13-week long strike by 3,000 academic workers at York University, negotiators for Local 3903 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 3903) have today presented a series of proposals to their employer.

"We have made a substantive effort to clear away barriers towards achieving settlement and believe that if York is finally willing to negotiate, the possibility exists that we could save the summer terms," said CUPE 3903 Chairperson Devin Lefebvre.

"In collective bargaining, talking is always better than not talking. With these proposals, we believe it's time for York to start talking to us," he added.

CUPE 3903 is now awaiting a response from York after the union's latest proposal was delivered to the University earlier today.

"Our bargaining team is ready to continue working towards a settlement, and we hope York is equally motivated to finally resolve this dispute," said Lefebvre.

Units 1, 2 and 3 of CUPE 3903, representing teaching assistants, contract faculty and graduate assistants, began strike action on March 5 in an effort to secure a fair contract that, among other things, addresses the issue of precarious employment, which is endemic in Ontario's post-secondary education sector.

Now in its 13^th week, the strike is now the longest work stoppage to ever take place at a university in Ontario.

SOURCE Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)