The Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association (TFA) stands in solidarity with the striking members of Public Service Alliance of Canada Local 901 at Queen’s University.
The TFA unequivocally condemns Queen’s University administration’s exploitation of PSAC Local 901 members. The local represents approximately 2,000 graduate students who are employed part-time as Graduate Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, Graduate Research Assistants, and JD/MD-enrolled students employed as Teaching Assistants at Queen’s, which also include racialized and international members.
It is shocking that the administration has neglected PSAC Local 901’s childcare proposals and refused to provide the required compensation of wages that were illegally suppressed under Bill 124. The administration has also refused to provide adequate funding for the mental health and hardships funds, which raises serious equity concerns.
It is regrettable that the administration has forced such an outcome, which is adversely affecting the graduate student workers and the rest of Queen’s community. The TFA condemns the administration’s heavy-handed approach that undermines the principles of collective bargaining process, which is the foundation of labour relations.
The TFA stands in solidarity with PSAC Local 901.