The University of Toronto Steelworkers Collective Agreement: Understanding the Key Points
The University of Toronto and the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1998 have reached a new collective agreement, bringing an end to negotiations that began in 2017. The new agreement covers more than 2,000 employees working in clerical, technical, and library positions at the university.
If you`re curious to know more about the University of Toronto Steelworkers Collective Agreement, we`ve got you covered. In this article, we`ll help you understand the key points of the agreement and what they mean for the employees and the university.
Wage Increases
One of the most significant changes in the new collective agreement is the wage increase for the employees covered by it. The agreement includes a 5.8% wage increase over a four-year period, with the first increase (1.9%) retroactive to September 1, 2017. The subsequent increases will be 1.8%, 1.5%, and 0.6%, respectively, and will be implemented on September 1 of each year.
Benefits
The new collective agreement also includes several benefits for the employees, including:
– Increased vision care coverage
– Improved language allowances
– New provisions for family care and bereavement leaves
– Expanded job security clauses
The agreement also includes language related to the three university-funded pension plans.
Job Security
One of the significant concerns for the employees during the negotiations was job security. The new collective agreement includes language that introduces measures to protect the employees` job security by establishing a joint committee to review employment classifications and ensuring the posting of job vacancies.
In addition, the agreement includes a stipulation that voluntary severance packages be offered to employees who want to leave their positions voluntarily.
Union Rights
As part of the new agreement, the union has been granted greater rights in unionizing new employees. Specifically, the agreement provides that the union can engage in organizing activities without interference from the university administration.
Other Key Points
Other key points of the new collective agreement include:
– A new anti-harassment and discrimination article that establishes a joint committee to address concerns
– A new language article that provides a process for addressing concerns with departmental or workplace communications
– Improved provisions for professional development opportunities
What Does It All Mean?
Overall, the new University of Toronto Steelworkers Collective Agreement provides several benefits and improvements for the employees covered by it. The agreement introduces measures to protect job security, increases wages, and provides expanded benefits.
Moreover, the new agreement recognizes the importance of union rights and establishes a process to address concerns related to harassment and discrimination.
As the University of Toronto continues to grow and evolve, it`s essential to establish a collective agreement that addresses the concerns and needs of the workforce. With the new agreement in place, both the employees and the university can move forward in a positive direction.