Outraged the University of Toronto colluded with Conservative Government to strip them of COVID-19 protections in the name of revenue, CUPE 3902 encourages members to learn how to refuse unsafe work

COVID-19, University

Toronto, ON — 11,500 academic workers at the University of Toronto, who are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3902, are mobilizing for an education campaign today geared towards teaching each other how to refuse unsafe work during this hazardous return to campus. Contract academic workers are frustrated that the Ford…

“We need additional measures to safely reopen campuses”: CUPE Ontario’s University Sector calls for capacity limits and physical distancing requirements

COVID-19, University

TORONTO, ON – The Government of Ontario’s decision to remove Step 3 guidelines, like physical distancing requirements and capacity limits for in-class instruction at Universities and Colleges, is a recipe for disaster, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario. Leaders from CUPE Ontario’s University Sector, representing academic workers and support staff, as well…

The Ford Conservatives could have spent $2.6-billion to save lives: CUPE Ontario

COVID-19, Education, Governmental, Health Care, Municipal, Safe Schools, School Boards, Social Services, University

TORONTO, ON – In the middle of a fourth wave, the Ford Conservatives are still senselessly sitting on billions of dollars that could go towards saving lives and ensuring a recovery for all, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario. “The single clearest lesson of the last 18 months is that public services…

Educators at York University Call to Protect Students and Workers with Remote Learning, Stronger Campus Protections

COVID-19, Governmental, Solidarity, University

TORONTO, ON – Over 350 professors, sessional instructors, teaching assistants, and administrative staff at York University have signed an open letter calling on President Rhonda Lenton to allow educators to opt for remote teaching – to protect their students and the broader campus community. “York’s ‘safety plans’ fail to account for the heightened danger posed…

Students and Workers concerned about unsafe campus reopening plans

COVID-19, Governmental, Solidarity, University

Post-secondary students and workers in colleges and universities have faced many challenges throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. While the announcement that post-secondary institutions will be opening in the fall is exciting news, safety needs to be the top priority. Sadly, with less than a week before the fall term begins, guidelines have finally been introduced but…

“The heroic contributions of workers will always inspire hope”: CUPE Ontario’s Labour Day statement

Airlines, Governmental, Municipal, School Boards, Social Services, Solidarity, University

This Labour Day, there’s certainly lots for working people to be concerned about. Elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, are reopening without the safety measures students and workers alike need. Meanwhile, the Ford Conservatives are still refusing to sign an agreement to ensure $10/a day childcare. Cases are steadily going up, with the latest…

University staff fear for their health and safety as Ford government drops basic COVID-19 precautions on campus

COVID-19, Governmental, Health and Safety, University

TORONTO, ON – Students and workers feel abandoned after an Ontario government memo said universities and colleges will re-open without measures like class capacity limits or improvements to ventilation, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario. “More than 30,000 support and academic workers are now apprehensive about returning to campuses. They are baffled…

Ford Conservatives‘ ‘hands off, head in sand’ approach to campus reopenings put Safe September, university students and workers at risk

COVID-19, University

Statement from OUWCC Chair David Simao and CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn regarding Ministry of Colleges and Universities directives on re-opening post-secondary institutions in September. No amount of magical thinking on Doug Ford’s or Minister Jill Dunlop’s part will make the risk of transmission fall to a level that allows universities to simply throw open…

A letter to the Minister of Labour about the Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee

Bill 124, Communities Not Cuts, COVID-19, Governmental, Paramedics, School Boards, Social Services, University, Women's

July 8, 2021 Sent Via Email Hon. Monte McNaughton Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development 14th Floor, 900 University Avenue Toronto, ON M7A 1T7 Dear Minister McNaughton, I am writing in response to your announcement that the Ontario Ministry of Labour will undertake an Ontario Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee. The Committee is tasked with…

University Health Network cannot continue to exploit women and racialized workers, say Toronto labour council, black trade unionists

COVID-19, Health Care, Racial Justice, Social Services, University, Women's

TORONTO, ON – What seems like a deliberate workforce policy of exploiting racialized women as cheap labour by the University Health Network (UHN) is being roundly criticized by many Toronto/GTA labour and community groups advocating for economic justice for new immigrants. UHN is avoiding the direct employment of patient rehabilitation care staff at its Hillcrest…