CUPE 3903 Collective Bargaining

York University’s approach to collective bargaining with all our union partners is informed by five core principles

Students First

Grounded in a shared commitment to students, we seek to achieve collective agreements that advance academic quality and student experience.

Respect & Transparency

We are committed to fostering and preserving trust through the open, transparent, and timely communication of relevant information. We conduct ourselves responsibly and with integrity to earn the trust and respect of others.

Decolonization, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

We advance decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion through collective bargaining by addressing systemic barriers faced by equity deserving groups and fostering conditions where members of our community can thrive.

Financial Stability

Our approach is grounded in securing the long-term financial stability of the University by balancing economic realities and constraints with equitable compensation practices.

Accountability

We negotiate collective agreements as responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us to achieve the University’s mission.

Updates

On Wednesday, July 22, the University and CUPE 3903 Units 1, 2 & 3 held the second full day of collective bargaining. During the session, the University bargaining team shared broad themes of interest for these negotiations.

The University looks forward to continuing this important work with the Union at the next scheduled bargaining session.

Interim Provost & Vice-President Academic Laina Bay-Cheng will attend the opening portion of the next session to speak with the CUPE 3903 bargaining team about Glendon College and the proposal for reimagining and revitalizing York’s bilingual academic mission.

Next bargaining session: Wednesday, July 29, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, July 15, the University and CUPE 3903 Units 1, 2 & 3, held their first day of collective bargaining, following the Union’s submission of their proposals package earlier in the week.

Interim VP of Equity, People & Culture Parissa Safai attended the all-day session, where the University listened to the Union’s proposals, asked questions, and engaged in discussions with the Union where appropriate. The University will continue hearing and discussing the Union’s proposals during the next scheduled bargaining session.

Next bargaining session: Wednesday, July 22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The bargaining teams for the university and CUPE 3903 met for the first time on July 6, 2026, to begin collective bargaining toward renewal collective agreements for teaching assistants, contract faculty, and graduate assistants. Engaging in collective bargaining is a regular process in a unionized workplace and we appreciated the opportunity to begin this important work. As is typical for a first meeting, the bargaining teams discussed procedural matters. The parties are in the process of scheduling upcoming meeting dates for July and August.

Past and upcoming meeting dates

July 6, 15, 22, 29
August 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 25, 27
September 1, 3

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