As of 12:01 am on October 27th 2025, the staff at the York University Faculty Association (YUFA), represented by CUPE 1281, have been pushed to strike given YUFA’s refusal to engage with CUPE 1281’s proposals unless the union accepts the contracting-out of their own work to non-unionized workers.

Also at stake in this dispute is the union’s fight for improved health and safety in the workplace. YUFA has also proposed concessions that weaken the union’s existing language on job security and democratic workplace structures.

With the YUFA Executive’s proposals to move YUFA’s resources away from front line service and toward managers, staff’s ability to provide responsive, high quality representation for YUFA members would be compromised. The work of YUFA staff ensures the smooth day-to-day functioning of YUFA, and it is with very heavy hearts that they withdraw their labour.

As of today, YUFA members with workplace issues, active grievances and accommodation matters will no longer be able to access YUFA staff support for the duration of the strike. Click here for more information on the important work that staff at YUFA do.

The Employer has forced CUPE 1281 staff out on the picket line by failing to take bargaining seriously and to participate meaningfully in conciliation as the strike deadline drew near, despite repeated urges by the union to do so.

CUPE 1281 has expressed willingness to return to the table whenever YUFA is prepared to productively discuss the core issues and negotiate a fair deal. We await the employer’s response.

In the meantime, supporters can join the CUPE 1281 picket line located at Vari Hall, 100 York Boulevard, on the main York Keele campus from 9am to 2pm Monday, October 27th to Thursday, October 30th and from 10am to 2pm on Friday, October 31st.

You can also send YUFA a message telling them to bargain a fair deal.