Update #6 - February 28, 2020
Trent University and CUPE 3908 Unit 1 Reach Tentative Settlement
Negotiating teams for Trent University and CUPE Local 3908 Unit 1 have reached a tentative settlement on a new collective agreement with the assistance of mediator Gerry Lee.
Both teams have agreed to recommend the tentative settlement to their respective parties. It is expected that CUPE Local 3908 Unit 1 will set a date with its members to ratify the agreement. The settlement is also subject to ratification by the University's Board of Governors.
Details of the tentative agreement will be released after ratification by both parties.
Update #5 - February 27, 2020
The parties are meeting on February 27 with the assistance of a mediator and have tentatively booked an additional day for bargaining on March 1.
Update #4 - February 25, 2020
The parties are meeting on February 26 and have tentatively booked an additional two days for bargaining on February 27 and March 1.
UPDATE #3 FAQs for Students - February 21, 2020
What is happening?
CUPE 3908 Unit 1 represents 312 Trent instructors who are hired for contracts that can extend up to 3 years. These instructors teach approximately 30% of the undergraduate classes at the University.
The three-year agreement between the University and CUPE expired August 31, 2019 and the parties have been in negotiations throughout the fall and winter, with the shared goal of reaching a mutually agreeable contract. Currently, negotiations are being aided by a Ministry-appointed conciliator, which can be a normal progression in the collective bargaining process. The parties are meeting as often as possible to try and resolve all outstanding issues. The University is hopeful that an agreement can be reached and that a strike can be averted. If an agreement is not reached by March 2, 2020, the Union will be in a legal strike position. The parties can also agree to continue bargaining past the strike deadline.
What will happen with classes in the event of a strike?
Trent University is committed to providing the highest quality academic experience for our students. Despite hopes for a negotiated settlement for a renewed collective agreement with CUPE 3908 Unit 1, contingency planning is underway. In the event of a strike, the University will take steps to ensure the integrity of students’ academic year. In the event of a strike, detailed communication would be shared with all students.
At this time, students should plan to attend classes as regularly scheduled. Updates will be posted to the myTrent portal and to this CUPE Labour Negotiations Update site.
When would the strike happen?
A legal strike could happen as early as early as 12:01 am on March 2, 2020. The University remains hopeful that the parties can reach an agreement before the strike deadline or may elect to continue bargaining past the strike deadline. In the event of a strike, the University will communicate with students as more information becomes available. Updates will be available on this website and on the MyTrent Portal.
Which campuses will be affected by a strike?
Both campuses – the Symons campus and Traill College in Peterborough and the Durham campus – have CUPE 3908 Unit 1 staff and would be affected in the event of a strike.
How would a strike affect classes?
In the event of a strike, only classes taught by CUPE 1 instructors would be affected. Most classes would continue.
Updates will be available on this website and on the MyTrent Portal.
Would the University close during a strike?
No. The University would remain open throughout a strike. Updates will be available on this website and on the MyTrent Portal .
If there is a strike, will I be able to stay in residence?
Yes. Residences would remain open throughout a strike.
Who can students contact if they have questions?
Students may email cupeinformation@trentu.ca
When will we know more?
Updates will continue to be posted to provide as much information as possible to students and the University community. A legal strike could happen as early as 12:01 am on March 2, 2020 if the parties are unable to reach an agreement, but the parties can also agree to continue bargaining. In the event of a strike, the University will communicate with students as more information becomes available. Updates will be available on this website and on the MyTrent Portal
Update #2 - February 20, 2020
The University met with members of the Union’s bargaining team on February 19, 2020 and discussed outstanding issues. The University tabled a comprehensive offer including job security provisions and enhancements to benefits. The parties agreed to meet again on February 26. The University remains committed to the collective bargaining process.
Update #1 - February 14, 2020
In an effort to keep students and employees informed, the following information provides an update on the status of ongoing labour negotiations between Trent University and CUPE 3908 Unit 1.
CUPE 3908 Unit 1 represents 312 Trent instructors who are hired for contracts that can extend up to 3 years. These instructors teach approximately 30% of the undergraduate classes at the University. The three-year agreement between the University and CUPE expired August 31, 2019.
The parties have been bargaining through the fall and winter. The University remains committed to bargaining. Currently, negotiations are being aided by a conciliator and the parties will reconvene for bargaining on February 19. The University is prepared to bargain as often as is necessary to reach an agreement.
We remain optimistic that the parties will be able to bargain a resolution of their differences.
Trent University values the contributions of CUPE teaching staff and is committed to a mutually satisfactory agreement that addresses CUPE concerns in a way that respects Trent’s financial pressures and meets the needs of our students.
Additional Information For Students
Trent University is committed to providing the highest quality academic experience for our students. Students should be aware that the University is optimistic that an agreement can be met. Contingency planning is underway and, in the event of a labour interruption, the University will take steps to ensure the integrity of students’ academic year. At this time, students should continue to attend classes as regularly scheduled. Updates will be posted to the myTrent portal and to this CUPE Labour Negotiations Update site.