Unionization Discussion over Pizza and Wings on Jan 22nd!
The CS-GSA (Computer Science Graduate Student Association) kindly invites all its members to meet our new CS GSA representatives and discuss a recent important motion regarding unionization at the university-level GSA (Graduate Student Association). The discussion at the CS (Computer Science) department will take place on Wednesday, Jan 22nd at 4:30 PM in DC (Davis Centre) 2585 where we will offer some pizza, wings and refreshments!
The unionization can have a significant impact on graduate students' life, representatives, expectation, and benefits. Although there are some apparent gains, it is essential to understand possible shortcomings. The UW-GSA Council discussed the overlap between the UW-GSA and a union, as well as the benefits and consequences of having a union versus pursuing alternative solutions as the UW-GSA stands now. If you have any concerns, suggestions, or any thoughts, please send your emails before January 23rd directly to your CS Counselor (m5valipo@uwaterloo.ca) or the CS GSA email (csgsa@uwaterloo.ca).
The UW-GSA Council will vote on the following motion on Thursday.
Motion:
"Be it resolved that the UW-GSA Council supports the formation of a union of graduate TAs, RAs, and sessional instructors at the University of Waterloo and recommends that the UW-GSA Board of Directors review and organize the unionization."
UPDATE (January 27th): UW-GSA Council approved the motion.
Possible Pros:
- Possible solidarity to attain better terms such as higher pay increases
- Meet with the University on equal footing and gain recognition as an important economic and intellectual engine that enables the University to exist
- Protection of workers rights
- Neutral and binding arbitration of disputes
- Clarity around work expectations and compensation for various groups of workers
- Flexibility to suit the collective needs of a given group
- Ensure graduate students are paid in a timely manner
- Health/social/financial hardship support and other benefits
Possible Cons:
- There is no guarantee that unionization will result in increased payments
- Potential decreases in funding for those outside the union
- Unclear definition of conditions involved in strikes
- Ambiguity to member inclusion
- Strong bargaining skills are required to achieve goals
- Possible union dues and initiation fees
- Potential increase in tuition fee and overall cost (No guarantee)
- Possible changing in the dynamic from collaborative to combative between the administration and the UW-GSA
Additional documents:
Unionization — Overview of Process (pdf)
Presentation on unionization at UW-GSA Council (pptx)
Laurier University (recently unionized) information (pdf)
A study on the effects of unionization on faculty-student relations, academic freedom, and pay (pdf)
Another work on the economic effect of the graduate student unions (pdf)