Anna Voskuil | News Editor
Featured Image: As of now, the concern of a strike is not on the table. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
On October 10 at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Units 1 and 2 of the York University Staff Association (YUSA) held their first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the academic year.
For those unfamiliar, YUSA represents all non-academic employees at York.
The most recent agreement addresses issues related to workplace harassment, union representation, and processes for complaints and grievances.
No specific concerns were brought up at the AGM, but rather it existed as a timeframe in which to discuss general issues.
One major concern, however, has been in regards to health and safety for YUSA members, which was discussed in the Association’s bargaining with York.
“We have spent a great deal of time so far dealing with health and safety. There is a proposed restructuring of the Joint Health and Safety Committees, and we want to ensure that YUSA members have adequate representation on committees and to ensure that their health and safety is protected,” YUSA’s 1st Vice President Sonny Day says.
“We have many members who work in science labs, et cetera, which can be hazardous environments. For our staff who work in offices, there are often issues with musculoskeletal injuries, which can be exacerbated by high workload,” Day continues.
“Many of our members have expressed the concern that their wages have not kept pace with inflation and this is not sustainable.”
What is different this year, however, is that YUSA’s AGM follows parallel to the start of bargaining between the Association and York.
On progress in negotiations with York, Day says: “We are currently in bargaining with the employer, and so far we have been making progress towards completing negotiations.”
With bargaining seeming to run smoothly thus far, the looming possibility of a strike is still often a major concern amongst students, especially following YUFA’s recent decision to pass a motion on a strike mandate vote last month.
Addressing these concerns, Day adds: “A strike should always be an option of last resort and right now, as we are still making progress, our efforts are focused on negotiating a deal at the bargaining table.”
He continues: “We want to negotiate a fair deal for our members, so that we can continue to support the students at this university.
“If the administration is fair and reasonable on their end of the negotiations, then we will continue to bargain in good faith; however, if that is not the case, then we would have to respond appropriately and as our membership directs us.”
To this, the Collective Agreement states: “The Parties agree to conduct their employment relations involved in the administration of this Agreement with mutual respect, in good faith, and in a fair and reasonable manner.”
In regards to other current proposals and agreements at the bargaining table, Day says certain proposals are agreed to not be disclosed beyond the two parties.
“YUSA has signed a bargaining protocol with the employer which limits the information that both parties can disclose during negotiations, unless we reach an impasse so we can’t disclose specific proposals,” he says.
