Teaching Assistant protests at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus on Monday after the union representing TAs rejected an offer by the university. (Comfort Obeng/Humber News)
By: Comfort Obeng and Chelsea Howard
Teaching assistants at three University of Toronto campuses began picketing Monday after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) voted against a contract offer that didn’t meet the unions concerns.
CUPE is seeking higher pay – more than the current $15,000 annual funding package – and more benefits.
The University of Toronto released a statement on Sunday that said they are disappointed that the union members are on strike because of the impact their absence has on students.
Humber News visited the picket lines to see the effect the strike is having on the TAs, students and professors at the university.
At York University, TAs will be in a position to strike on March 3. The university released a statement saying that all academic activities, classes and examinations will be suspended with few exceptions if a deal is not reached.