Unit 2 Ratification Vote Information

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Unit 2 (Sessional Faculty and Hourly-Rated Sessional Music Faculty Members),

   Your elected Bargaining Team recently secured a tentative collective agreement with the Employer. Before this agreement can take effect, however, both parties need to ratify it, according to their respective processes.
 We have been given word that the McMaster Board of Governors has now formally ratified this agreement on behalf of the Employer. Now, CUPE Unit 2 members will have the opportunity to do the same.
   The union will be holding a Special General Membership Meeting this coming Tuesday, December 12th at 5:00PM in Kenneth Taylor Hall, Room B104. At this meeting, the Bargaining Team will provide you with an overview of the agreement itself and answer any questions you might have.The ratification voting will commence for 90 minutes immediately following the meeting (just as we did for the Strike Mandate Vote).
   Voting will continue from 9AM to 5PM the following day (Wednesday, December 13th) in the lobby of Mills Library, for those members who cannot attend the SGMM. Information about the tentative agreement will be available in the Union Office (KTH B111) and at the polling station itself. Note: the bargaining team is recommending this agreement for ratification by the members.
   Any member who has taught at any point over the last two academic terms or who has secured a contract for the Winter of 2018 is entitled to vote. Please bring Photo ID with you.
   The results of the ratification vote will be announced on the evening of the 13th.
   Finally, please note that in the event of a work stoppage by members of UFCW Local 175 and 633 (Fauclty Club Staff), an alternative off-campus location will be utilized. We will keep you updated with information.
   Have questions? Email staff@cupe3906.org

Saddened to Announce the Passing of David Gerry

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

We’re saddened to announce the passing of David Gerry, a long-time sessional faculty at McMaster University and member of the Canadian Union of Public Employees. David was also an elected member of the Unit 2 bargaining team, which recently secured a tentative agreement with the Employer.

Our deepest condolences go out to his many friends and students, and especially his mother Lucy and his husband Johnathan. Below is a passage from Judith Shedden, a faculty member at Mac and a close friend of David’s:

“With great sadness we tell you that our David passed on this evening. He went peacefully and without pain. His passing was more beautiful because his beloved Sara Traficante was here to play for him, with the gold flute that he left her. She played for him for close to an hour and it was so beautiful. The last piece she played was the Largo e dolce from Sonata in b minor by JS Bach. David exhaled his last breath on the final cadence.”

 

Holiday Office Closure

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Please be advised that the CUPE office in Kenneth Taylor Hall Room B111 will be closed, beginning Friday December 15th. The office will reopen for the Winter Term on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018.
 
If you have benefits or other forms to submit prior to the end of the term, please ensure that they’re in to us by no later than Thursday, December 14th.
Unit 2 (Sessional Faculty) Members, a reminder as well that your PDF Applications are due by the end of the day today.
Have questions? Email staff@cupe3906.org
In solidarity,
Graham Baker, President, CUPE 3906

Update on Unit 2 Bargaining Team Member David Gerry

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

We want to take a moment to acknowledge a member of your Bargaining Team, David Gerry, from the School of the Arts. Some of you may have heard (or read in the Spectator last week) of David’s terminal cancer diagnosis, which came unexpectedly a few weeks ago.
He has been an invaluable member of this union’s leadership group in his capacity as a bargaining team member and while we have been absolutely heartbroken by this news, we nevertheless join with the rest of the McMaster community in celebrating David’s life, his generosity and kindness, and the tremendous impact he has had on colleagues and students alike. David is currently in a hospice in Hamilton.
In his honour, the Local has moved to establish the David Gerry Award for Excellence in Teaching, which will be awarded to a deserving Unit 2 member every year and adjudicated by the Unit 2 Chief Steward. Details on this new award will be forthcoming.

Tentative Agreement Reached- Unit 2

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

We are pleased to announce that after 2 long days of bargaining with the assistance of a Conciliation Officer from the Ministry of Labour, your elected Bargaining Team has reached a tentative agreement with the University’s negotiators.
Details of the agreement as well as the process for ratification will be forthcoming. Our thanks again to you, our members for your support over the last several months.

Healing With Feelings: Queer Poetry Night

Mary Ellen Campbell Uncategorized

CUPE 3906’s Equity Action Committee is proud to announce that we will be hosting a Queer Poetry Night event as part of a larger initiative titled “Healing With Feelings.” These events are opportunities to meet new folx, engage with each other’s creative works, and heal collectively from intersecting oppressions. Please join us on Thursday, November 30th at The Staircase (25 Dundurn Street North, conveniently located near a transportation hub). The doors open at 7:00PM until 10:00PM. Unfortunately, the space is not wheelchair accessible, but moving forward we will ensure that all future events are held at accessible locations.

Even if you’re not reciting any poetry, this event is meant to show support and solidarity to your fellow peers. If you’re interested, we have 14 available slots to choose from. Please sign-up at the link below by including your name in the comments section: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0c4daaaa28a7f85-queer. We will also host an open mic for the last 30 minutes of the event.

Here is the link to the Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/143659373024560/

We look forward to seeing you there!

Unit 2 Bargaining- Conciliation- Nov 21 and 22

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Your elected Bargaining Team has secured two dates with a provincial conciliation officer (November 21st and 22nd) as we continue to bargain for a new Collective Agreement for Sessional Faculty. We are confident that, with the province’s help, we can reach a deal with the Employer’s negotiators that will represent a #BetterMac for our members and for the community as a whole. Our position heading into these talks is even stronger thanks to the strike mandate we received from you some weeks ago. As always, we will keep you posted as events unfold. In the meantime, you may be hearing from our mobilizer Amarjeet with an invitation to participate in various actions around campus.

Questions??? staff@cupe3906.org 

 

General Membership Meeting- Wednesday November 15

Brad Walchuk Uncategorized

Dear Members,
The Union’s most significant decisions are made by Union members at General Membership Meetings (GMMs).   

All CUPE 3906 members of all 3 units (TAs and RAs in lieu, Sessional Faculty, Hourly Rated Sessional Music Faculty and Postdoctoral Fellows) can attend regular GMMs and get involved in the Union’s decision making processes. 

Our next GMM will be held next week on Wednesday, November 15th at 5:00PM in the Burke Science Building (BSB), Room B136.
Agenda items will include: notice of upcoming changes to the Local’s Bylaws, discussion around the institution of a Unit 2 teaching award, and well as the following elections:
  • Vice President – External
  • Health and Safety Committee Seats
  • Delegates to the Hamilton and District Labour Council
As usual, there will be a free dinner and childcare costs to attend the meeting can be reimbursed.
Have questions? Email staff@cupe3906.org
In solidarity,
Graham Baker, President, CUPE 3906