Solidarity with CUPE 2361 – Western University Service Workers

CUPE 3261 stands in solidarity with the members of CUPE 2361, who courageously went on strike to advocate for fair treatment and improved working conditions at Western University.

The challenges faced by CUPE 2361 resonate deeply with us at CUPE 3261, as we recognize the vital role that caretaking, grounds, and trades workers play in maintaining a thriving campus environment. It is unacceptable that Western University has allowed a staffing crisis to persist, driven by low wages and unsustainable workloads, impacting both the workers and the entire campus community.

CUPE 3261 commends the strength and determination of CUPE 2361 in taking this bold step to demand a contract that acknowledges their invaluable contributions. We urge Western University to return to the bargaining table with a genuine commitment to addressing workers’ concerns and reaching a fair resolution that respects the dignity of all its employees.

In solidarity,

CUPE 3261 Executive

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Join the 2024 Labour Day Parade!

Calling all CUPE 3261 members!

Labour Day is our time to rise! Join workers on September 2nd for the Toronto Labour Day Parade – a powerful march from downtown to the CNE, celebrating 151 years of solidarity and struggle.

With inflation soaring, inequality widening, and basic fairness under attack, workers are drawing a line in the sand. We’re marching to defy the austerity and privatization agenda that’s eroding our public services and driving up the cost of living.

This Labour Day, let’s paint the city pink! Join CUPE members from all walks of life and send a resounding message: enough is enough!

WHEN: Monday, September 2nd, 2024 at 9AM

WHERE: Section 8, West Side of University Ave., North from Armoury to Dundas St. W. (Marching to the CNE)

We’re fighting for workers, our communities, and a brighter future. Because we’re worth it!

CUPE 2361 Solidarity Rally This Saturday at Western University

Our colleagues at CUPE 2361 (not a typo, we promise!), who represent service workers at Western University, will be in a legal strike position tomorrow at 12:01 AM Friday, August 30th. These members, who do work similar to ours – like caretaking, trades, athletics, grounds, and maintenance – are fighting against chronic understaffing, heavy workloads, and low wages. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to reach a fair deal with their employer, with strike action likely starting tomorrow.

We urge you to show your solidarity! A rally will be held at the CUPE 2361 picket lines from 12 PM – 2 PM this Saturday (August 31).

To make it easier for members to attend, the OUWCC (Ontario University Workers Coordinating Committee) is organizing a bus to the rally leaving from downtown Toronto.

• Departure: 9 AM, Saturday, August 31st
• Location: Union Station, near the West Entrance (26 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 2M3)

We invite all available members, along with any friends and family, to join us on the bus or meet us at the picket lines to stand with our fellow workers!

Please fill out this RSVP form if you plan on attending.

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Back-To-Work September BBQ

Get ready to kick off the school year with a sizzling September BBQ! 🌭🍔  We’re thrilled to announce this joint event hosted by all U of T CUPE locals, including CUPE 3902, CUPE 1230, CUPE 2484, and us!

Planning to come?  Please fill out this RSVP form as soon as possible so we can ensure there’s enough food for everyone and arrange shuttle buses from satellite campuses if needed!

Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 4th.

All members are welcome to bring one adult guest. Additionally, if you have young kids, they’re more than welcome too! We’ll have fun activities and events for all ages.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, September 21st
• Time: 12 PM – 4 PM
• Location: University College Quad (St. George Campus)
• RSVP Form

We can’t wait to see you there!

Nominations will remain open until Friday July 19th.

General Membership Meeting

On July 6th, we held our General Membership Meeting. During the meeting, nominations were held for three executive positions and one trustee. The nominees are:

President (Oct 2024 – Oct 2026)

• Luke Daccord
• Chris Tavares

Health and Safety Officer (Oct 2024 – Oct 2025)

• Kevin McDermott
• Nicole Ponte

Recording Secretary (Oct 2024 – Oct 2026)

• Hillary Phillips

Trustee (Oct 2024 – Oct 2027)

• Danny Tavares

Congratulations to both Hillary Phillips and Danny Tavares, who will be acclaimed to their respective roles in October of this year.

Elections for President and Health and Safety Officer will be held in October in accordance with our election bylaws approved last year. We are currently looking for members to join the elections committee! See below for more details or sign up here.

Stay tuned for further details about the voting process throughout the coming months.

 

Bylaw Amendments Approved by the Membership

We are also pleased to announce that all the proposed bylaw amendments were approved by the membership. These changes aim to streamline our amendment process, encourage member involvement, simplify the committee joining process, and update various housekeeping items. The bylaws will take effect upon approval by the CUPE National President. You can view the approved bylaws here.

 

Trustee’s Report

The trustees presented their annual report on the local’s 2023 finances with recommendations on how to enhance financial accountability, transparency, and record-keeping. After discussion their report was approved by the membership, and the local’s executive is committed to their implementation.

 

Call for Interest: Join the CUPE 3261 Elections Committee

We are looking for members to join the CUPE 3261 Elections Committee to support our upcoming October Election. The Elections Committee plays a crucial role in organizing and facilitating the election, and we are looking for members who are interested in contributing their time and skills.

Duties include:

• Administering and monitoring the electronic voting: Administer the electronic platform and assist members as needed
• Operating in-person election booths: Providing voting support and assistance to members during election week.
• Ensuring fairness and transparency: Establishing and monitoring election rules and and procedures
• Managing election communications: Preparing information about election dates, procedures, candidate statements, and approving the election newsletter (sent by the communications committee).
• Facilitating election-related events (e.g., townhall)
• Counting votes, verifying results, and announcing the winners.
• Addressing election disputes: Investigating and resolving any challenges or concerns raised during the election.

Requirements:

• Interest in the democratic process: A commitment to ensuring fair and transparent elections for our members.
• Basic digital literacy: General familiarity with navigating internet websites, emails, etc. is helpful.
• Strong organizational and communication skills: Ability to collaborate with others and communicate effectively.

No experience is required. All those interested will be trained and supported in this role by the Local’s CUPE National Servicing Representative.

Sign up here and fill out the form if you would like to be contacted to learn more about the position.

Per CUPE 3261 Bylaws 8-b-2:

“…the President will, subject to the approval of the Executive Board, appoint an Elections Committee consisting of a Returning Officer and assistant(s). The Committee will include members of the Local Union who are neither Officers nor candidates for office…”

Our next General Membership Meeting will be held in a hybrid format on July 6th. During the meeting, we will be holding nominations for President, Recording Secretary, Health and Safety Officer, and Trustee. We will also hear the trustee report and vote on proposed bylaw amendments introduced at our last membership meeting. All members joining online must register in advance to receive the Zoom link.

WHEN:
Saturday, July 6, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM

WHERE:
Sidney Smith Hall (100 St George St), Room 1072
OR
Online via Zoom (Hybrid Meeting)

Register here if attending online. A zoom link will be sent to your email once registered.

Agenda

1. Roll call of officers
2. Reading of the Equality Statement
3. Reading and approval of minutes of previous meeting
4. Matters arising from last meeting’s minutes
5. Treasurer’s Report on 2023
6. Trustee’s Report on 2023
7. Nominations for executive board positions:
   1. President
   2. Recording Secretary
   3. Health and Safety Officer
8. Nomination for trustee
9. Discussion and Vote on Proposed Bylaw Amendments
10. Delegates Report: CUPE Ontario
11. Unfinished business
12. New business
13. Adjournment

Nomination Procedure

If you are considering seeking a nomination, please review Section 8 of the CUPE 3261 By-laws titled “Nomination, Election, and Installation of Officers” for detailed information on the nomination procedure and eligibility. These can be found on our website here.

If you have any questions about this procedure please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Union office.

Proposed By-Law Amendments

During our May 4 Special Membership Meeting, several bylaw amendments were introduced by our newly convened bylaw committee and will be voted on at our July 6 General Membership Meeting. The proposed amendments aim to streamline our bylaw amendment process, reduce barriers to members’ involvement, improve the process for joining committees, and update various housekeeping items. New items are bolded and underlined.

Click here to see the bylaw amendments

Full-Time Part-Time, Casual, and 89 Chestnut Members,

Our retroactive pay has been processed, and all members should have received a lump-sum payment on May 31. This payment is retroactive to July 1, 2023, for FTPT and Casual members, and January 1, 2024, for 89 Chestnut. You can view the details on your most recent pay stub through ESS (Employee Self-Service). This retro applies to all members actively employed on March 17, 2024 (the ratification date).

Going forward, your pay stubs should reflect your new wage rates, shift premiums, and any other increases negotiated in our new collective agreement.

Review Your Paystub: We encourage you to carefully review your pay stub to ensure your payment is accurate. If you notice any discrepancies, first speak to your manager, who should help resolve the issue or direct you to the appropriate payroll contact. Please CC our Vice-President Andrew Chilton vicepresident@cupe3261.ca in any correspondence. You can also submit a Payroll Discrepancy Request through the HR Service Centre website: log in, click “Browse the Service Catalogue,” then “Payroll, Compensation & Job Evaluation” on the left, and select “Payroll Discrepancy Request.”

Make sure you are getting paid correctly! You can view the updated wage grids here:

• Full-Time Part-Time Wage Grid
• Casual Wage Grid
• 89 Chestnut Wage Grid

If you have any general questions about the retroactive payment, eligibility, deductions, calculations, or any other unresolved issues, please contact our Vice-President directly at vicepresident@cupe3261.ca

Common Questions:

• Taxes and Deductions: Please note that standard deductions such as income tax, CPP, EI, and union dues were applied to this payment. Since this is a significant lump sum, the amount deducted was higher than what you typically see on your regular paychecks. Additionally, the CRA’s tax calculation method may temporarily place you in a higher tax bracket for this pay period. Any overpayment in taxes or other deductions will be corrected during tax season when you file your taxes.
• EI Benefits: If you are currently receiving EI benefits, this retroactive payment should not be reported in your bi-weekly report. Retroactive pay increases are not considered earnings for EI purposes, as they are considered to have been earned over the time you worked. The University will be issuing an updated Record of Employment (ROE), which will re-calculate your benefit rate based on the new wages.
• Retroactive Amount:
  • FTPT Members received an across-the-board (ATB) 9% increase for all hours worked retroactive to July 1, 2023. Some classifications (e.g., caretakers, cafeteria workers) received an additional adjustment to $25/hour effective March 17, 2024 (the ratification date). This $25/hour adjustment is retroactive to March 17, 2024, not July 1, 2023. Decreases in dental and extended health benefits costs took effect April 1, 2024.
  • 89 Chestnut Members received a 5.7% increase retroactive to January 1, 2024, with some receiving an additional adjustment to $25/hour on March 17, 2024. This $25/hour adjustment is retroactive to March 17, 2024, not January 1, 2024. Decreases in dental and extended health benefit costs took effect April 1, 2024.
  • Casual Members: Received a 5.7% increase or minimum $18/hour, whichever is higher, retroactive to July 1, 2023.
  • Please note that the across-the-board (ATB) retroactive percentage increases apply to all regular hours worked (including paid leaves), overtime, and holidays. However, any changes not part of the ATB increase, such as adjustments to shift premiums, standby pay, boot allowance, etc., came into effect on March 17, 2024 (the ratification date).

We know this process has been frustratingly long. We’ve made it clear to the University that this delay was unacceptable, and your voices were heard – over 400 of you signed a petition demanding quicker implementation. While we couldn’t speed up this specific payout, we’ve put the University on notice that these delays must not happen again in the future.

We encourage you to review again the summary of changes to your collective agreement. While the University is legally obligated to follow our agreement, it’s ultimately up to us as workers to hold them accountable and ensure our hard-fought gains are fully implemented. We cannot rely on the employer to proactively enforce new terms. We’ve received numerous reports of managers being unaware or misinformed about many changes due to inadequate communication from the University.

Make sure your manager is aware of and implementing any changes that impact you and your co-workers. Your participation is key to ensuring we all benefit from the improvements we won!

If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to contact us.

This is a reminder that our Special Membership meeting will be taking place this Saturday from 10AM-12PM on St. George Campus at the Sidney Smith Building (100 St. George St) Room 1071. It will be a hybrid meeting as well and you can join online via zoom.

If you are attending online, click here to register and receive your Zoom link.

Important items, including the final approval of the 2024 budget and nominations for the 89 Chestnut and Faculty Club Unit representatives, will be discussed and decided at this meeting.

All members are encouraged to join!

Meeting agenda:

1. Roll call of officers
2. Reading of the equality statement
3. Reading and approval of last meeting’s minutes
4. 2024 Budget Amendments
5. Introduction of Bylaw amendments
6. Appointment of Elections Committee
7. Nominations for 89 Chestnut Unit Rep and Faculty Club Unit Rep
8. Report from Delegates
   1. CUPE National Conference in October
9. Unfinished business
10. New Business
11. Adjournment