York students visiting the Canadian National Exhibition on Labour Day caught a glimpse of some of their TAs through the crowds of public sector employees marching down the streets.
CUPE 3903 and the York University Faculty Association marched alongside other unions including ACTRA, Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association, Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, United Steel Workers, and other CUPE locals.
CUPE 3903 chairperson Jen Cypher says taking part in the parade is particularly important in an election year.
“For 3903, we just came off a strike and we’re struggling with our collective agreement and the employer, and it’s another way for us to show solidarity with one another,” she adds.
While there were few undergraduate students in attendance, Cypher emphasizes the importance of the event to students.
Any student who finishes their studies in teaching, nursing, or engineering will eventually work in a unionized environment, she says.
The parade was also an opportunity for participants to air their political views, some of whom sported “Heave Steve” signs. Others were clad in orange shirts and chanted “go vote.”
Other notable moments at the parade included activists unfurling a banner in support of refugees, chanting “refugees are welcome here.”
Parade-goers initially gathered at the intersection of University Avenue and Queen Street before proceeding west on Queen Street and south on Dufferin Street, concluding at the CNE.
Alex Kvaskov, Assistant News Editor
Photos courtesy of Alex Kvaskov
