U of T Disappointed as CUPE Launches Strike

Agreement raises wage to $45.73 per hour – one of the highest in Canada – and offers improved benefits, more financial assistance for childcare and educational expenses

TORONTO, March 1, 2015 /CNW/ - The University of Toronto is disappointed that CUPE has chosen to take its members out on a strike that threatens to disrupt the studies of thousands of students.

The University and the CUPE bargaining team reached a tentative agreement for University of Toronto teaching assistants that increases pay and improves benefits.

Tentative Agreement Highlights:

• New wage will be $43.97 per hour plus vacation pay, for a total of $45.73 per hour at the end of the collective agreement
• Improved health care – and one of the most comprehensive health plans for teaching assistants in Canada
• More financial assistance – increased to $2.2 million annually to assist with childcare and education-related expenses

"We negotiated a generous agreement that lifts teaching assistants' compensation and benefits to some of the highest levels in Canada," said Professor Cheryl Regehr, the University's vice-president and provost. "We are making this investment because of the importance we place in supporting teaching assistants."

"Despite the strike action, we are staying open and will be focused on our commitment to students and their academic success," said Professor Regehr.

Facts:

• Teaching assistants are full-time students and part-time employees
• Tentative agreement was unanimously endorsed by the CUPE Bargaining Team
• Tentative agreement has not yet been voted on by all Unit #1 bargaining unit members

Operations:

• The University will remain open
• Students are being provided with updated information about their courses

More information available at:  http://www.provost.utoronto.ca/office/2015strikeupdates.htm

SOURCE University of Toronto