Resumption of Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Wednesday, April 30th at 12:00 PM EST

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Dear Members,
We are writing this email to outline our plans for resuming the previously adjourned Annual General Membership Meeting (or AGM). After consulting with CUPE National, we are able to announce the following update:
The 2025 AGM  will be resumed and will begin at precisely the place that it was left off (beginning with nominations for the position of a VP external). The AGM will resume on Wednesday, April 30th at 12:00 PM EST.
The nominations for President and Vice President were made in accordance with the bylaws and are valid nominations. These will not be contested again.
All members of the bargaining unit are receiving an invitation to the resumed meeting, even if they did not attend the first part of the meeting. The link was sent to your McMaster email on April 23rd (please check spam/other/junk folder if you do not see it in your inbox).
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. You can find the AGM webpage here: https://cupe3906.org/gmm-materials/. It will contain an updated agenda, previous minutes, and yearly executive reports.
As far as voting at the AGM, the Local will simply apply its bylaws — any members who were in attendance for any part of the meeting (the first half or the second half) will get a vote on all positions (save and accept the Lead Steward positions for any units that they are not a member of). This means that anyone who is present for the second half of the meeting that was not present for the President/Vice President nominations will still be able to vote for those positions. Similarly, anyone who was at the first part of the meeting and is unable to make the second part of the meeting will be able to vote for the remainder of the executive positions. The Local wants to extend attendance and voting privileges to as many members as possible.
With the exception of the two positions for which nominations have closed, the Local will continue to accept advanced nominations, as well as nominations from the floor, for the remaining positions. To view the form (and instructions on how to fill out/submit the form) in form-fillable PDF, please access the following link: https://cupe3906.org/wp-content/blogs.dir/501/cupe-3906-executive-nomination-form-2025-final.pdf.
Hard copies of the nomination form will also be available at our office, KTH B111, or by request (please contact mary@cupe3906.org). Please include only one nomination per form. (Members may submit nominations for multiple positions, but subsequent nominations should be submitted on separate forms). Forms must be returned to recordingsecretary@cupe3906.org, CCing staff@cupe3906.org no later than 12:59 P.M. on Monday April 28th, 2025. Members can also nominate from the floor (i.e. at the meeting itself). The Local is still taking nominations for the following positions: VP External, Secretary-Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Health & Safety Officer, Benefits and Advocacy Officer, Lead Steward Unit 1, Lead Steward Unit 2, Lead Steward Unit 3, Lead Steward Unit 4, International Officer, Equity Officer, and Undergraduate Officer.
In case you missed it previously, please review the “Message to Our Membership on Events at the Recent AGM” that was released on April 10th, 2025:https://cupe3906.org/2025/04/10/a-message-to-our-membership-on-events-at-the-recent-agm/
Please note, at the resumed AGM the Chair will take an active role in chairing and managing the meeting. The Chair will also strictly adhere to the timelines and procedures for nominations and elections as outlined in the bylaws. As per usual, the meeting will begin with a reading of the CUPE 3906 Equality Statement. We will follow this with a clear reminder of the election process under Local 3906’s bylaws.
We are also encouraging members to keep all questions focused on the candidate’s platform or qualifications and to frame any comments as endorsements, not personal critiques or condemnations.
If you have any questions about the AGM process, please email mary@cupe3906.org

CAUT advises academics against non-essential travel to the U.S.

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Although CUPE Local 3906 is not a direct affiliate of CAUT, they are an important voice for academics in Canada. Our members might be interested in their recent travel advisory to the USA:

Given the rapidly evolving political landscape in the United States and reports of individuals encountering difficulties crossing the border, CAUT strongly recommends that academic staff travel to the U.S. only if essential and necessary.

In addition, CAUT recommends that academics who fall into the following categories exercise particular caution:

  • Citizens or residents of a country identified in media reports as likely to be subject to a travel ban
  • Citizens or residents of a country where there are diplomatic tensions with the U.S.
  • Travellers with passport stamps evidencing recent travel to countries that may be subject to a travel ban or where there are diplomatic tensions with the U.S.
  • Those who have expressed negative opinions about the current U.S. administration or its policies
  • Those whose research could be seen as being at odds with the position of the current U.S. administration
  • Travellers who identify as transgender or whose travel documents indicate a sex other than their sex assigned at birth

Academics should carefully consider what information they have, or need to have, on their electronic devices when crossing borders and take actions to protect sensitive information where necessary.

Read the 2025 Supplement to the CAUT Advisory on Travel to the United States here.

A Message to Our Membership on Events at the Recent AGM

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Dear CUPE 3906 Members,

We are writing to acknowledge an incident that occurred during our recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on April 7, 2025. While we will not be naming individuals or discussing specifics, we recognize that the conduct at the meeting fell short of the respectful dialogue and democratic principles we strive to uphold. As a result, the meeting was brought to a close earlier than expected.
We know that for many members — including those attending their first union meeting — this may have been a confusing or upsetting experience. We want to be clear: CUPE 3906 is committed to creating a union space that is safe, inclusive, and principled. No member should ever feel that pursuing an elected office puts them at risk of defamation, harassment, or discrimination.
Our Values

Our union is built on the foundations of respect, equity, and due process. These are not just words we read aloud at the start of each meeting — they are commitments we hold ourselves accountable to in every interaction, especially during moments of tension or disagreement.

Our Expectations

We do not condone conduct that humiliates, undermines, or shames members in any public or private forum. All members — including those in leadership roles — are expected to uphold our equity principles and follow our Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures to address concerns.

We encourage all members to use established internal channels to raise and resolve disputes in a constructive and respectful manner. These include:
  • CUPE 3906 Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Handbook
  • Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Form
Supporting One Another

We recognize that this incident may have affected members in different ways. We are here to support you. Below are some resources available to you if you would like to speak to someone or seek support:

We remain committed to fostering a union space where all members — especially those who are new to union involvement — feel welcome, respected, and heard.
Looking Ahead

All matters pertaining to the AGM or election will be handled by CUPE National representative, Sean Lee (seanl@cupe.ca) and CUPE 3906 staff, Mary Ellen Campbell (mary@cupe3906.org).

The President has stepped down and union business will continue to be conducted by the remaining executive members in the meantime.
The continuation of the AGM will be held at noon on April 30th. This date was selected to avoid conflicts with religious obligations, staff scheduling, and the exam period. Details on the updated elections process will be released soon. Please check your McMaster email in the coming days to ensure you are kept up to date on participating.
We thank you for your continued engagement, and for helping to build a culture rooted in accountability, dignity, and solidarity.
In solidarity,
CUPE 3906 Executive Committee

Roll Up Your Sleeves April 12, 7-10pm at WAHC

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Roll Up Your Sleeves, WAHC’s third annual spring un-gala, is back and it’s shaping up to be quite the evening. 

Get your Canadian tuxedos ready because Roll Up Your Sleeves is not just a fundraiser supporting WAHC’s year round operations—it’s an opportunity to celebrate working people’s art, culture and history!

There will be raffle prizes, a peek into our permanent collection, music from Hamilton’s own EYE.SHA, the opportunity to try your hand at pulling your very own letterpress print designed by Greg Smith of Blind Pig Press, and beverages courtesy of Clifford Brewing Company

It’s also the last chance to catch WAHC’s current exhibitions: What We Inherit in the CUPE/SCFP Gallery and Steelworker Legacies in the Community Gallery.

Get your tickets now! You’re not going to want to miss it.
https://wahc-museum.ca/event/roll-up-your-sleeves/

 

Support Fellow University Sector Workers

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Please take a moment to support our fellow University sector workers at UofT (Local 3902) and at the UofT Students’ Union (Local 1281)

  1. CUPE 3902 has five units in difficult negotiations, and three (including one fighting a major concession) have an April 1 strike deadline: https://cupe.ca/fair-deal-now
  2. CUPE 1281.25 – staff at University of Toronto Students’ Union – are in a big fight. A lot of concession demands from a very aggressive employer. They could be on strike next week: https://cupe.on.ca/utsu/

Annual General Meeting – Monday, April 7th at 2 pm

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Our Annual General Meeting (or AGM) will take place on Monday, April 7th at 2 pm (via Zoom).
At this meeting, we’ll be accepting nominations for all executive committee positions. A description of each of the executive positions can be found at one of the links below. The meeting will also feature brief speeches from candidates and a Question and Answer period. Below further information about the AGM, including the nomination form for executive positions. Interested members can nominate themselves or can nominate someone else before the meeting. You can also make those nominations at the meeting directly.
Voting for executive positions will occur online following the meeting, but eligibility will be restricted to those who sign into the meeting.
Zoom registration link for AGM: **please check McMaster email**
Description of executive positions and voting process: https://cupe3906.org/wp-content/blogs.dir/501/local-3906-bylaw-final-2025-03-12.pdf
AGM webpage (agenda and previous minutes): https://cupe3906.org/gmm-materials/

Unit 2 Tentative Agreement Ratified

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

We have good news to share! The votes have been tallied and CUPE 3906 Unit 2 members have voted to ratify the tentative agreement that was presented to members at last week’s Ratification Meeting. The tentative agreement was supported by 93% of Sessionals who voted.
The Employer will be voting to ratify the agreement on April 24th, 2025 at their next Board of Governors meeting. Once McMaster has ratified the tentative agreement it will come into force and effect. Until then, the previous collective agreement remains in force.
The important gains secured in this agreement could not have occurred without the ongoing support of our members. This was truly a collective effort and we are overwhelmed by your engagement over the past few months. A special thanks goes out to the elected bargaining team – Hamed, Jeff, Anastasia, and Sara – as well as the late Walter Cristofoli and the Contract Action Team (CAT) for their ongoing mobilization efforts.

Sessional Faculty Tentative Agreement Reached

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Your bargaining team is pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement with the Employer, securing significant gains for Sessional Faculty at McMaster University. 

Next steps:

  • The bargaining team will present the tentative agreement to the Executive Committee. 

  • A Special GMM will be called, where the bargaining team will present the tentative agreement to the Unit 2 membership. 

  • Unit 2 members will vote on whether to ratify the tentative agreement. 

Keep an eye on your inbox for dates and meeting invitations. The specific dates and times of the meeting will be announced shortly, and we will present full details of the tentative agreement at the Special GMM where there will be a Q and A period for members to ask questions.

Thank you for your continued support. We couldn’t have secured this tentative agreement without you!

Sincerely, 

Your Unit 2 Bargaining Team

Winter 2025 Dental Deduction and Other Sessional Faculty Benefits Information

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Sessional Faculty who are teaching this winter for the first time in the 2024-25 academic year (i.e. you did not teach this past fall semester) and who did not opt out of the CUPE dental will see a dental plan deduction of $170 on this week’s pay cheque. This deduction will not be made from those who already taught in fall 2024. The dental plan offers $1000 of coverage with no deductible and coverage is backdated to September 1, 2024. You can find additional information on our dental plan here: https://cupe3906.org/sessionals-unit-2/unit-2-dental-coverage/

We also wanted to take this opportunity to let both new and existing members know about the various benefits that you are entitled to as a CUPE member. Sessional Faculty have access to a Health Care Spending Account that offers up to $500 per academic year (reimbursed at 100%). This fund covers items approved by Revenue Canada as health/medical expenses and can be used in conjunction with another benefits plan that you might have access to. You can find more information, including the application form, here: https://cupe3906.org/sessionals-unit-2/unit-2-benefits/

Sessional Faculty are eligible for $200 per 3-unit course to a Professional Development Fund (to a maximum of $1000 per academic year).  Subsequent sections of individual courses taught by Sessional Faculty will be eligible for a Professional Development award of $100 for the first additional section taught and $50 for each subsequent section taught (up to the maximum yearly entitlement).

The Training Fund for Sessional Faculty provides limited, one-time payments (up to $300 per academic year) for members who complete select training through the Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching prior to August 31, 2025. You must have an active contract in the 2024-25 academic year to access this fund. More information, including the application form, can be found here: https://cupe3906.org/sessionals-unit-2/training-fund/

As a Sessional Faculty, you also have access to McMaster’s Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) at no cost and on the same basis as other employee groups at McMaster. Access was won through collective bargaining and the advocacy and support of members. More information can be found here: https://cupe3906.org/sessionals-unit-2/employee-family-assistance-program/

Finally, the CUPE 3906 Unit 2 Collective Agreement Expired on August 31, 2024. We are currently negotiating a renewal agreement with the Employer. For more information, or to get involved to improve the pay, working conditions, and benefits of Sessional Faculty at McMaster, please visit www.bettermac.ca or contact president@cupe3906.org

CUPE 3906 Annual General Membership Meeting (AGM) and Executive Elections

Mary Ellen Campbell Uncategorized

The 2025 CUPE 3906 Annual General Membership Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Monday, April 7th, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. EST. (A registration link will be sent to your McMaster email.)

Agendas for AGMs are restricted by our Bylaws, and include annual Executive Committee elections. (For descriptions of the election process and the Executive Committee positions, please see Articles 4 and 5 of our Bylaws.)

Members may nominate candidates for Executive Committee positions prior to the AGM using our nomination form. To view the form (and instructions on how to fill out/submit the form) in form-fillable PDF, please CLICK HERE.

Hard copies of the form will also be available at our office, KTH B111, or by request (please contact mary@cupe3906.org).

Please include only one nomination per form. (Members may submit nominations for multiple positions, but subsequent nominations should be submitted on separate forms.)

Forms must be returned to president@cupe3906.org, CCing staff@cupe3906.org and/or recordingsecretary@cupe3906.org, no later than 12:59 P.M. on Sunday, March 30th, 2025.

Please note: you are not required to submit a nomination form prior to the AGM on April 7th to run for an Executive Committee position. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else from the “floor” of the AGM, you may do so when nominations are declared open for the respective position.

Questions regarding Executive Committee positions may be directed to president@cupe3906.org, or staff@cupe3906.org. We do encourage you to review the description Executive Committee positions in Article 5 of the Local’s Bylaws before asking.

Elections for Executive Committee positions (and, where necessary, instructions for casting ballots) will take place at our AGM on April 7th.