Striking CUPE 1281 members employed at the York University Faculty Association (YUFA) attended a bargaining session on the morning of January 8 ready to negotiate and address the impasse on Health and Safety procedures and protections for CUPE 1281 members.

Despite saying that they were available on this date, YUFA’s bargaining team chose not to attend.

Health and safety is at the core of workers’ dignity, security, and ability to do their jobs without fear of harm. Failing to appear at the table when these matters are up for discussion sends a troubling message about YUFA’s priorities, especially after what the union believed to be a constructive side-table discussion on December 29.

CUPE 1281 remains prepared to bargain in good faith, and engage constructively on Health and Safety with a full proposal package to follow. We call on YUFA to return to the table promptly and to treat the remaining issues with the seriousness they demand and bring an end to the 11 weeks of a difficult strike.

CUPE 1281 plans to show up at the next scheduled session on January 12th and we hope YUFA’s bargaining team will do the same.

YUFA members: hold your elected representatives accountable. While you are fighting York, your executive is failing to take the steps necessary to get the staff that help you every day back to work. You can sign the CUPE e-action as a simple way to get your voice heard! Many of your colleagues have also signed on to this open letter (YUFA rank & file initiative).