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TORONTO, Ont. Starting in the early afternoon, Mon., Dec. 15, more than 120 members of striking CUPE 3903 and undergraduate student allies have occupied the hallway outside the office of York University President Dr. Mamdouh Shoukri, on the 9th floor of the South Ross building.
The protesters are asking that Dr. Shoukri join them in order to answer a list of 12 questions. They are also calling on Shoukri to sign a written commitment to hold a public forum in the first week of January so the York community can ask questions and discuss the strike, as well as the issue of quality and accessible education, with the university’s administration and CUPE 3903 representatives.
The sit-in protest launches CUPE 3903’s week of action, which aims to increase pressure on the York administration. As Amrit Heer, CUPE 3903 member and sit-in participant explained, We want the university to bargain in earnest in order to reach a fair agreement as soon as possible. We are asking President Shoukri to reaffirm his commitment to York University by addressing the community in a public forum.
The protesters are determined to continue the occupation of the 9th floor of the Ross building until President Shoukri arrives.
CUPE 3903 represents over 3400 contract faculty, teaching assistants and research assistants who perform more than 50 % of all teaching at York University. They have been on strike since November 6.
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For more information, contact:
Gabrielle Gerin
CUPE 3903 Strike Coordinator, Unit 1
647-637-1736
COPE491/nz
