We’re pleased to confirm our first negotiation dates with the employer:
- Part-Time Retail Unit (Bookstore): July 29 & 30
- Part-Time Warehouse Unit: August 12 & 13
- Full-Time Warehouse Unit: August 20 & 21
This round of bargaining is different. For the first time in recent memory, all three U of T Press units are going into negotiations at the same time. This gives us a real opportunity to build power and fight for the changes we all want to see.
Employer Rejects United Bargaining
The bargaining committees of all three units agreed to join together in a united front. As a result, we made a formal request to U of T Press to bargain as one, citing the fact that many of us do the same work, report to the same supervisors, face the same issues, and work side-by-side. Unsurprisingly, the employer rejected that request and insists we bargain separately.
But we know that unity doesn’t depend on what table we sit at — it depends on what we do together. We have seen this before. In 2023–24, three CUPE 3261 units joined forces during bargaining. U of T forced them to bargain separately, but they continued to coordinate as one. They later joined with two units from CUPE 3902. In the final hours, with all five units sharing the same strike deadline, U of T agreed to meet with all five teams at one table. We presented a unified final offer and settled as one. The result was one of the strongest contracts we have ever won.
Negotiations aren’t won at the table — they’re won in the workplace. It doesn’t matter how many proposals we write or how well we argue. What matters is how organized and united we are as workers.
Contract Action Team (CAT)
We’re currently putting together our Contract Action Teams (CAT) — a group of workers from each workplace who help build power by keeping members engaged in the bargaining process.
CAT’s help share updates from the committees and relay questions or concerns from coworkers. It also involves things like helping distribute flyers or having short conversations during your shift or breaks. It’s low-pressure and there is no expectation to do anything outside work hours.
Some members have already signed up, but we’re hoping to build a strong team in every workplace. If you’re interested in being a CAT, sign up here.
💪 United, We Win!
If you have any questions or would like to get more involved in negotiations, please do not hesitate to contact your Unit Representative, Chris Stanford at press@cupe3261.ca
Your Bargaining Committees
Warehouse FT:
- Steve Parker
- Edward Jose
Warehouse PT:
- Joseph Borland
- Bheverly Banaag
Retail (Bookstore):
- Eshika Sehgal
Each committee also include:
Chris Stanford, CUPE 3261 UTP Unit Representative
Luke Daccord, CUPE 3261 President