Welcoming Our New Collective Agreement

We are thrilled to announce the implementation of our new collective agreement! This success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our members and committees. Here are some key highlights:

  • Increased Entitlement Hours: Starting September 1, 2024, your entitlement hours will increase to the monetary value of 195 hours per year of study, paid at the graduate Teaching Assistant rate.
  • Salary Increases: Salary rates will increase by 3.5% (2022), 3% (2023), and 2.5% (2024). Additional adjustments will address previous caps on pay rate increases.
  • Improved Inclusivity: The agreement includes new language to better support Indigenous members, pregnant members, and those who are lactating, as well as the right to a silent support person or Elder during disciplinary processes.

For more detailed information, including specific scenarios and salary adjustments, please read our Collective Agreement FAQ.

Job Security: Connect With Us Regarding Contract Hours

Time is ticking as the academic year closes in. For your job security, it's essential to address any concerns about your contract hours promptly.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@2626.ca. We're here to help!

Executive Board Updates: Meet Our New Team!

We've had a few changes to our Executive Board since the Annual General Assembly. Here is our updated board:

  • President - Nicholas Dallaire: Oversees the overall operations and strategic direction of CUPE 2626.

  • Vice President - Saïfeddine Jemli: Assists the President and manages internal affairs.

  • Treasurer - Madeline White: Manages the financial health and budgeting of the union.

  • Recording Officer - vacant: Responsible for maintaining accurate meeting records and minutes. Interested? Apply at pres@2626.ca.

  • Health and Safety Officer - Agnes Bezerra: Ensures workplace health and safety standards are met.

  • Equity and Education Officer - Linnea Löfström-Abary: Promotes equity initiatives and educational opportunities for members.

  • Liaison Officer - Magalie Civil: Acts as the bridge between members and the Executive Board.

  • Anglophone Steward Representative - Victoria King: Represents and supports English-speaking members.

  • Francophone Steward Representative - Nathan Pécout-Le Bras: Represents and supports French-speaking members.

  • Lifeguards Representative - Megan Coutinho: Represents the interests of lifeguard members.

  • Residence Life Representative - Vassili Soklaridis: Represents members working in residence life positions.

We are always looking for new faces to get involved. Reach out to us at info@2626.ca for more information!

CUPE Celebrates Solidarity in Pride

CUPE proudly supports 2SLGBTQI+ members and allies as they come together to celebrate Pride and combat homophobia, transphobia, and oppression. We urge governments and employers to ensure the safety of Two-Spirit, queer, and trans workers, who often face violence, harassment, and exclusion, particularly in university settings.

This Pride season, join us at events across the country as we advocate for safe and inclusive workplaces for all. Show your support by participating in Pride parades, organizing local events, and promoting human rights in your community.

Learn more about our initiatives and how you can get involved here.

Quick Reminder:

Please continue to diligently track your hours and, if necessary, complete the Workload Review Form and/or discuss any concerns with your supervisor.  

Your active participation strengthens our collective voice and ensures fair working conditions!
 

CUPE 2626 Supports the Occupy Tabaret Encampment

In support of students gathering at the University of Ottawa's Tabaret Lawn and campuses worldwide, CUPE 2626 firmly backs the peaceful demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine, championing the right to assemble and express their convictions. We urge university administrators to negotiate in good faith and refrain from penalizing students or workers for their involvement.

As students reclaim democratic spaces, demanding institutional transparency in investments, divestment from companies supporting the Israeli military, and cessation of ties with Israeli academic institutions, CUPE 2626 echoes their calls for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the Gaza blockade, and the suspension of Canadian arms trade with Israel.

It is crucial to note that CUPE 2626 vehemently opposes any form of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia within these demonstrations. We stand firm in ensuring that these protests remain inclusive and free from discrimination.

For our official statement, click here. Members can also add their names to the letter from Graduate Students and Professors of English in Solidarity with Palestine here.

Join Us for Coffee with CUPE All Summer Long!

Exciting news! Our monthly Coffee with CUPE events will be continuing throughout the summer. Keep an eye out for us on campus and drop by to say hi! These casual meet-ups offer a chance to connect with fellow members over a cup of coffee and share your thoughts.

Expect an email invite reminder in your inbox soon. We can't wait to see you there!

Visit Us at the Interdisciplinary Conference in Psychology (ICP)!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll have a table at the upcoming Interdisciplinary Conference in Psychology (ICP), held here on campus. This annual peer-reviewed academic conference, organized by a committee of graduate and undergraduate students from the School of Psychology, is a hub for insightful discussions and networking opportunities.

  • Location: FSS , outside the entrance to the main conference room, FSS4007.
  • Date and Time:
    • Saturday June 15th: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Come chat with us, meet new Executive Board members, and discover our latest endeavors!
 

Urgent Call to Action: Support the Fight for Status For All Migrants!

Prime Minister Trudeau promised a regularization program for undocumented migrants this spring, but time is running out with Parliament set to recess on June 7. Delays could push this crucial program into the fall or beyond.

Our allies at Justice For Workers are hosting an Emergency Pan-Canadian Phone Zap for Status For All. This quick 30-minute action involves making two calls throughout the week (both script and numbers will be provided once you've RSVP'd).

Join the Phone Zap and register for all necessary details.

Why This Matters

Migrant workers sustain our economy and deserve fair treatment. The cost of living crisis is caused by government under-funding and corporate profiteering, not migrants. Stand with us to demand action now!

For more information and to join the action, click here.

Congratulations to McMaster University on Reaching an Agreement

We are pleased to announce that the encampment in solidarity with Palestinian human rights at McMaster University has successfully concluded. The encampment, which began on May 5, ended after key demands for transparency, collaboration, and communication were met.

Approximately 100 demonstrators voted to accept McMaster's offer and agreed to dismantle the encampment over the weekend. The agreement includes annual disclosures of investment reports, improved communication with the university’s International Strategy Advisory Committee, and significant steps toward addressing human rights concerns.

While not all demands were met, this agreement marks significant progress. We commend the solidarity and dedication of those involved in advocating for ethical practices and transparency.

For more details, you can read the full story here.
 

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About Us

CUPE 2626 represents thousands of Teaching and Research Assistants, Correctors, Tutors, Lab Monitors, Demonstrators, Proctors, Lifeguards and Residence Life Workers at the University of Ottawa.

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