Research Associates at the University of Toronto are forming a union.
Once successfully certified, Research Associates will join CUPE Local 3902, a union that has long supported academic workers in advocating for fair treatment and better working conditions.
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What is a union?
Simply put, a union is you and your colleagues joining together to improve your working conditions. It’s about putting power back into the hands of the workers, ensuring your voices are heard, and securing better rights and protections at work.
Why unionize?
Research Associates at the University of Toronto are one of the few groups of workers at the UofT without union representation. Without a union, you have limited ability to negotiate your terms of employment, address workplace challenges, or protect the conditions we currently enjoy.
Many of the benefits Research Associates have today exist because unionized workers fought and won them. However, without a union, there is no guarantee those benefits will remain. Your employer can change your working conditions, reduce benefits, or terminate your position without cause, leaving you vulnerable.
Research Associates at UofT: A History of Neglect
Research Associates form an important pillar of the groups who perform the research for which UofT is world-renowned. RAs design and manage research projects, train and supervise other lab members, prepare grant proposals and funding applications, and fulfill various responsibilities of faculty members. Despite doing all this, in positions which require highly specialized expertise, RAs do not enjoy the compensations of the faculty nor the job security and bargaining power of the other unionized members. Without this power, RAs are generally ignored by UofT with:
A lack of job security:
RAs are the first to let go when the funding situation becomes limited
There are no clear pathways for advancement to more secure job positions
It is often expected to just maintain the RA position without any guarantees
A lack of institutional recognition:
There are no career development programs for RAs
There is no specific training program for new RAs, they are placed with administrators in peer mentorship programs
The research contributions of RAs are not recognized in university communications
A lack of funding:
There is a wide range of starting salaries, some RAs earn less than Tri-Council postdoc grant levels
While RAs’ pay is tied to research grants and they are often responsible for preparation of grant applications, they cannot directly apply for funding
Post-Doctoral Fellows and many other workers at UofT have been able to tackle similar issues by unionizing their workplaces.
By forming a union, Research Associates can work together to achieve:
Promoting transparency in hiring, clarity in job roles, and a dispute resolution process to resolve harassment, discrimination, and rights violations—without fear of reprisals.
Fairness & Dignity:
Gaining a voice in the decisions that shape our working conditions and ensuring meaningful participation in workplace policies.
Democracy:
Securing enforceable protections against arbitrary changes to roles, benefits, and working conditions.
Equity:
Achieving wage parity with similar industry roles, securing intellectual property rights, and ensuring access to grant opportunities and professional development.
Respect & Recognition:
Security:
Ensuring job continuity through retraining or redeployment within the university.
Reducing overwork, improving family care provisions, and ensuring coverage for leaves.
Work-Life Balance:
Safety:
Creating a safe and health work environment for all.