After weeks of tense negotiations, striking academic workers at York University have reached a tentative deal with the university, according to the union representing them.
The deal was announced on Sunday by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3903, which represents over 3,000 contract faculty, teaching assistants, and graduate assistants at the university.
The union had been on strike since March 5, demanding better job security and improved working conditions. The strike had caused significant disruptions to classes and exams, affecting over 50,000 students.
The tentative deal, which still needs to be ratified by both the union and the university, includes improvements in job security for contract faculty, as well as increased funding for graduate students.
In a statement, CUPE Local 3903 Chairperson Devin Lefebvre said, “We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that addresses our members’ key concerns and provides them with the job security and support they deserve.”
York University also released a statement, saying, “We are pleased that a tentative agreement has been reached and we look forward to welcoming our students and academic workers back to the classroom.”
The strike had received widespread attention and support from students, faculty, and the public, with many expressing concerns about the working conditions of contract faculty and the impact on students’ education.
The tentative deal is seen as a positive step towards addressing these concerns and improving the overall working environment at the university.
Details of the tentative agreement have not been released, but both the union and the university have expressed optimism that it will be ratified by their respective parties.
If ratified, classes are expected to resume on Monday, March 26, bringing an end to the strike that has lasted over three weeks.
This is a developing story and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
