1. Policy grievances in relation to Employer actions

On March 1, 2024, YUFA filed a policy grievance in regard to the Employer’s infringement on academic freedom and unreasonable exercise of management rights. The grievance is posted here.

A second policy grievance on the Employer’s disregard of Senate policy as well as collegial governance will be filed later this week.

2. YUFA is dismayed by unnecessary police presence on and near the campus

Reports earlier this week of the presence of Toronto Police Service (TPS) on or near the campus in regard to CUPE 3903 was a distressing development. In particular are events that occurred on Monday, March 4, at the picket line on Sentinel Road.  

YUFA encourages all members of the campus community to act with patience, understanding and to respect the legal right to picket during a strike.

3. Support for CUPE 3903

YUFA continues to support CUPE 3903 in its efforts to attain a fair collective agreement. YUFA calls on the Employer to immediately return to the bargaining table.

YUFA supports the right of CUPE 3903 to lawfully picket. YUFA members, led by YUFA Vice-President External, Professor Patrick Phillips, joined a solidarity picket for CUPE 3903 on Monday, March 4, 2024. 

4. YUFA to start bargaining for new collective agreement

The current collective agreement between YUFA and the York University Board of Governors expires on April 30, 2024. 

The first meeting between the Employer and YUFA to negotiate a new agreement will take place on March 12, 2024. 

The YUFA Bargaining Team, as appointed by the YUFA Executive Committee, is: 

• Richard Wellen (Chief Negotiator, elected by the Bargaining Team): Social Science, LA&PS
• John Amanatides: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Lassonde
• Mary-Helen Armour: Science, Technology and Society, Science
• Marlon Valencia: English, Glendon College
• Hannah Johnston: Human Resource Management, LA&PS
• Arthur Hilliker: Biology, Science
• Minoo Derayeh: Equity Studies, LA&PS (Equity Officer, Ex Officio)

Given that YUFA had to hold a strike vote during the last round of negotiations to obtain movement from the Employer, and given the CUPE 3903 strike, it is likely that the current round of bargaining will prove difficult. 

Updates about the progress of negotiations will be reported regularly to members.

5. YUFA Annual General Meeting 

The next YUFA Annual General Meeting will be held Thursday, May 2, 2024, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM over Zoom. Please let us know you are coming by completing this form.