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.
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.