Canadian Labour Reporter

U of T casual workers sign contract TORONTO — Casual work- ers at the University of To- ronto achieved a new collec- tive agreement, including long sought-after paid sick days on Nov. 19. The United Steelworkers (USW), Local 1998 represents about 3,500 casual workers at the university. After pandemic- related delays at the bargaining table, the local union and the employer worked together to reach a new contract, says the union. In bargaining, the local union demanded better treat- ment for casual workers, who work alongside full-time work- ers on the same projects, pro- grams and departments but were not treated similarly, says USW. "We were bargaining with the nation's richest university and it was reasonable for ca- sual workers to expect the ba- sic level of fairness from the university," says Colleen Burke, president USW, Local 1998. Highlights of the three-year contract include a wage in- crease of one per cent, two paid sick days, better protection for members facing discipline or termination and improve- ments to the dental benefits, says the union. USW Local 1998 represents more than 8,000 administra- tive and technical workers at the University of Toronto, Vic- toria University, University of St. Michael's College and Uni- versity of Toronto Schools, including about 3,500 casual employees. Quebec education workers ratify deal QUEBEC — Education pro- fessionals with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in Quebec reached a new collective agreement with the government of Quebec on Nov. 23. The new three-year con- tract runs from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2023 and sees wage increases of two per cent per year and an improved sal- ary scale that will take effect in 2022. In addition, improve- ments to working conditions will make it easier to attract and retain personnel, says the union. "The results of this round of negotiations are a major step forward in recognizing the expertise of professional edu- cation personnel, which is es- sential to the academic success of students," says Julie Tassé, president of the Syndicat des professionnelles et professi- onnels Laval‒Rive-Nord (SP- The most reliable source of news and insights for Canada's labour professionals www.hrreporter.com/labour/news PLRN). The SPPLRN represents 940 education professionals in 32 job categories across the three school service centres (des Af- fluents, Laval and Mille-Îles, in Quebec), says the union. Strike vote held for 2 Vancouver trucking firms VANCOUVER — Container truck drivers at two large Metro Vancouver port trucking com- panies voted overwhelmingly to strike if necessary on Nov. 21 to achieve a fair agreement. A strike could affect almost 200 truckers servicing the Port of Vancouver and threaten port stability at a time when supply chain pressures are enormous, says Unifor. Unifor members ratified the pattern agreement with more than 100 truckers at Harbour Link Transportation in August. Key achievements include health, dental and insurance benefits for all drivers along with increased payments for waiting time, says the union. "Unifor truckers in this sec- tor are fighting for the simple right to have health and dental benefits. Basic respect for your workers and their family's health and safety is not an unreasonable request," says Jerry Dias, Unifor national president. FORMERLY CLV REPORTS Serving labour relations professionals since 1956 www.hrreporter.com/labour Subscription rate: $599 per year Customer Service subscriptions@kmimedia.ca President Tim Duce Editor/Supervisor Sarah Dobson | (416) 644-8740 Ext. 330 sarah.dobson@keymedia.com News Editor John Dujay | (416) 644-8740 Ext. 321 john.dujay@keymedia.com Employment Law Editor Jeffrey R. 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If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. e analysis contained herein represents the opinion of the authors and should in no way be construed as being either official or unofficial policy of any governmental body. ISSN 0045-5113 Publications Registration 2089 Canadian Labour Reporter is part of the Canadian HR Reporter group of publications. Visit www.hrreporter. com for more information. 2 LABOUR BRIEFS Canadian HR Reporter, a Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd. business 2021

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