Dear Unit 2 members,

Your bargaining team met with the employer’s bargaining team on August 28th. We would like to give you a brief update on where negotiations stand so far.

Our bargaining priorities:

• Compensation & Workload- Wages, Class size and TA support
• Stronger Job Security- Seniority and first consideration
• Enhanced Benefit- Support for mental and physical health
• Equity and Respect- Material support for members in equity-seeking groups and more transparency and communication about departmental changes and restructuring
• Contract Expiration Date- Align the Unit 2 contract expiry date with Units 1 and 3 (2027)

McMaster’s current offer:

• Sub-inflationary wage increase- Only 2.5% in the first year, and 2.25% for the following 4 years
• No Job Security- No attempt to reduce precarity in the university sector
• Diminished Benefits- Status quo on dollar amounts, contingent on rushed negotiations
• Inequity and Disrespect- Proposed fewer meetings between union and management, while removing any obligation for specific management decision-makers to attend. This makes it more difficult for your union to resolve members’ workplace problems before they become significant or legal issues
• Lock into a Longer Contract- Proposed a 5-year contract, ending in 2029

Next Steps:

• We are now working to schedule the next dates to meet with the employer for negotiations.
• We will continue to negotiate for a real wage increase for McMaster sessional instructors.
• The Contract Action Team (CAT) will be door knocking to talk with members about what you can do to help the bargaining process.

For more information on Unit 2 bargaining, visit bettermac.ca

If you’re interested in getting more involved in the union or bargaining process, do not hesitate to contact us!
To become a unit 2 steward, contact Hamed leadsteward_sessionals@cupe3906.org
To join the Contract Action Team, contact Mason vicepresident@cupe3906.org

In solidarity,
Your Unit 2 Bargaining Team