University of Toronto contract workers demand a living wage and decent benefits

TORONTO – About 3,800 contract workers at the University of Toronto have now been given a strike mandate to press ahead with their demands for a living wage and basic health benefits from the nation's wealthiest university.

The workers, members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1998, are employed under contract at the University of Toronto and are classified by the University as “Casual Employees”. Workers are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the university after their previous agreement expires in June 2023.

Last week, union members voted by a 90% majority to give the bargaining committee the mandate to initiate a job action, including a strike, if the university fails to negotiate a fair contract. The union has set a deadline for the university to reach an agreement on February 16 at 12:01 p.m.

“We have been encouraged by the level of activity our members have shown throughout the negotiations,” said Scott Eldridge, president of the USW Local 1998 bargaining unit, which represents Casual workers.

“Our members are united in fighting for the right to a living wage and the right to be treated well at Canada's wealthiest university,” said Eldridge.

Most casual employees at the University of Toronto continue to work full-time on the same projects, programs, and services, but are treated very differently, are paid less, and receive very limited health benefits. Some casual workers are paid only the minimum wage.

Casual employees work in administrative and technical roles ranging from research assistants and information technology, to student life officers, fitness center staff, and standardized patients who work in the training and testing of medical professionals.

Casual workers are contracted for anything from a few weeks to a full year. Many workers have been working at university for years, even decades, without securing permanent jobs.

Negotiations resumed today, February 12, with three days of talks scheduled for this week.

“Our members expect an offer from this employer that reflects the value of their work and skills, as well as their cost of living,” Eldridge said.

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