Wages
Over the last 13 years our wage increases averaged 1.5% (per year), well below the 2.75% inflation average over the same time period. Even still, our wage proposal (8.3% Year 1, 3% Year 2, 3% Year 3) has been viewed by the employer as untenable. Sessionals deserve a contract that mitigates the losses during a decade of austerity. The employer’s most recent offer included an average of 3.45% in wage increases over 5 years. While the employer’s latest wage proposal may technically be in line with sector averages, we would still be left behind colleagues at comparable Universities by 2029.
Job Security
The employer has made their point: they prefer “flexibility” over job security. Your precarious working conditions and your experience teaching is of little concern to them. They would rather be able to replace you with someone who they think is better than you.
Length of Contract
The contract McMaster wants is 5 years long. We would be locked into this contract with no chance of improvement until 2029. McMaster knows that a longer contract term that does not line up with other bargaining units will minimize our power. However, we made it clear: the offer McMaster made does not entitle them to 5 years of labour peace.