An open letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty
Dear Premier McGuinty,
We, the more than 3,000 contract faculty, teaching assistants, and graduate assistants of CUPE 3903, are writing to express our disappointment in your decision to introduce back-to-work legislation.
We want this strike to end as soon as possible but this should happen at the bargaining table, not through legislation.
Back-to-work legislation is unfair and inappropriate; CUPE 3903 has been ready and willing to negotiate since day one of this strike. York administration has not.
Back-to-work legislation sets a dangerous precedent. It tells the York administration and all other employers that if they refuse to bargain, the province will step in and do their work for them.
If you really want to help ensure the integrity and quality of education at York University – and all post-secondary institutions in Ontario –invest in affordable and accessible education for graduate students and stable employment for university contract professors.
Ontario ranks second-last among all provinces in terms of what it spends on post-secondary education. With a willing employer, we can negotiate our collective agreement, but it is up to you to decide to address the underfunding of Ontario’s universities. Let’s work together for a better future for post-secondary education in Ontario.
Sincerely,
Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 3903
CUPE 3903 – Still holding the line for quality, accessible education and a fair contract.