CUPE Local 3906 stands in solidarity with students across Ontario mobilizing for accessible, affordable, and publicly funded post-secondary education. You can read our full statement here: CUPE 3906 Stands in Solidarity with Ontario Students Against Austerity (ONSAA).
As you may be aware, province-wide demonstrations are planned for tomorrow, November 5, including events on campus.
Work Responsibilities
Please be advised that while there is a student protest tomorrow, the Employer expects all CUPE 3906 members to attend any scheduled work activities, including facilitating labs, seminars, and tutorials. CUPE 3906 supports the student movement and its demands, but our Local is not on strike, and members are expected to fulfill their assigned work responsibilities.
Solidarity and Participation
We recognize and support students’ and our members’ right to organize, speak out, and demand an education system that serves students and communities rather than placing an ever-growing financial burden on those pursuing an education.
We also recognize that thousands of union members are students themselves and are directly affected by rising costs and growing barriers to post-secondary education. As workers and students, our experiences and interests are deeply connected, and we stand together in advocating for accessible, affordable, and publicly funded education. Members who are not scheduled to work, or who have completed their assigned work responsibilities, are free to decide for themselves whether and how they wish to participate; participation in demonstrations is entirely an individual choice. We encourage solidarity, mutual respect, and consideration for the broader university student community.
Supporting Students in Our Classes
Union members should speak with their course instructors about supporting students who may miss class tomorrow. Additional guidance is available through McMaster’s Academic Guidance for the November 5 Student Day of Action.