Most recent timeline as of March 15, 2024:
February 7 and 21
The University provided comprehensive proposals to CUPE 3903 Units 1, 2, and 3 on February 7, and then a further set of enhanced comprehensive proposals on February 21, which addressed key items, including increases in pay rates. These proposals were unanswered prior to the commencement of the strike.
February 26
CUPE 3903 Units 1, 2, and 3 commenced the strike.
March 7
In an effort to end the strike, get all students back to class, and enable CUPE 3903 represented employees to return to work, on March 7, 2024, the University wrote to the union and proposed that the parties resolve matters of salary and compensation through mediation, and if necessary, interest arbitration (mediation-arbitration).
March 9
On March 9, CUPE 3903 rejected mediation-arbitration and provided proposals that included no movement on the issue of pay (CUPE 3903’s proposed pay increase represents a 31 per cent cumulative, non-compounded increase and exceeds what has been negotiated or awarded for other unions in the Ontario University sector for both the moderation period and for renewal collective agreements.)
March 12
CUPE 3903 contacted the University and proposed a return to the bargaining table.
March 13
The University responded to CUPE 3903’s request and indicated that it agreed to return to the bargaining table depending on the guidance of the provincially appointed mediator (the “mediator”). The University also again invited the union to consider mediation-arbitration.
March 14
The provincially appointed mediator confirmed that they will not be convening the parties.
The University sent CUPE 3903 a letter advising them that while the University is willing to resume bargaining, on the guidance of the mediator, who was appointed by the province on the request of CUPE 3903, the parties would not be reconvened at this time. Her guidance was due to her view that “… there is no likelihood of a settlement based on what is on the table” and that “It will be necessary to address wages and benefits to reach a settlement.” This makes it clear that until CUPE Units 1, 2, and 3 respond to the University’s salary proposals of February 7 and 21, a meeting is not likely to be productive.