Most individuals employed as Postdoctoral Fellows at McMaster are members of CUPE Local 3906, Unit 3. Welcome to your Union! In this welcome letter, we’ve outlined some important things for you, including your benefits and some important contact information.
Unionized post-docs are those “whose salary is paid, in whole or in part, via McMaster payroll.” This means that those post-docs whose ‘salary’ is paid directly through a granting agency, and not through payroll, tend not to be unionized post-docs, unless their appointment includes teaching courses at McMaster. Please see articles 2 and 3 of the collective agreement for clarity.
Unionized post-docs receive considerable benefits under their collective agreement. Please note that while this agreement has now expired (as of August 31, 2022), the terms and conditions of this agreement remain in force and effect until otherwise stated. The parties are currently in the process of re-negotiating this agreement – please check www.bettermac.ca for more information.
Postdoctoral Fellows are considered FULL TIME employees of the university (working 35 hrs. per week, consistent with the university’s definition of full-time work).