

Joshua Freeman, CP24.com





Striking teaching assistants and graduate assistants at York University have reached a tentative deal with the university.

CUPE3903 Chair Faiz Ahmed confirmed the tentative agreement to CP24 Sunday afternoon.

“We’re very satisfied,” Faiz told CP24. “We think this is a historical agreement that has been crafted by the resolve and vision and commitment of our bargaining team.”

In a statement, the union said the agreement addresses its key concerns, including tuition offsetting, making LGBTQ an employment equity group and an increase in minimum summer funding for graduate assistants.

The striking workers will also get 100 per cent of their back pay if the deal is ratified.

Faiz said the agreement will set new standards in the university sector in Ontario.

“We’ve also put on the radar at Queen’s park the severe lack of funding for university and college,” Faiz said.

The workers have been on strike at the university since March 3 in a dispute that has revolved mainly around wages and job security. Contract teaching staff were also on strike, but went back on the job after accepting a deal from the school.

The deal announced Sunday will still need to be ratified by union members. Faiz said that will likely happen on Monday or Tuesday night, depending on logistics.

“As soon as we can secure a location, ballot boxes and scrutineers then we will go ahead, “he said.

York University acknowledged a deal had been reached, but would not immediately comment on its content.

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