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. Read the strike announcement here.
The York University Faculty Association (YUFA) employs eight professional staff members. They are currently bargaining for a renewal collective agreement and facing many serious concessions. This page contains everything you need to know to understand what is going on at YUFA, why it matters, and what you can do to help.
Who is YUFA Staff?
The eight professional staff members are not members of YUFA. They are full-time employees hired by YUFA’s Executive and unionized with CUPE 1281.
Just as YUFA represents full-time faculty, librarians/archivists, Special Renewable Contracts, and Post Doctoral Visitors in bargaining with their employer, York University Board of Governors, YUFA staff are represented by CUPE 1281 and bargain their collective agreement with YUFA.
What Do YUFA Staff Do?
YUFA staff keep the Association running and protect YUFA members’ rights every single day.
They manage YUFA’s finances, records, and communications; ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements; and coordinate the administrative backbone of the organization.
At the same time, they act as professional labour relations experts — helping members resolve workplace issues, navigating medical leaves and accommodations, supporting advancement and tenure processes, filing and pursuing grievances, and representing members in disputes. They also contribute vital research, costing, and advice during bargaining with York University, making sure YUFA is well-prepared at the table.
Why Does Their Work Matter?
In a challenging environment where workplace issues are increasing as a result of York’s restructuring, YUFA staff are an even more critical resource for members. They do not set the Association’s political direction nor do they control the handling of grievances. These are the responsibility of the democratically elected officers that make up the YUFA Executive. However, YUFA staff are indispensable in carrying out the work that allows YUFA to function, respond quickly to problems, and defend YUFA members’ rights.
Undermining the staff collective agreement weakens the very people who enforce YUFA members’ rights and prepare them to face their own employer, York University’s Board of Governors. The YUFA Executive’s union busting agenda, aided by Ogletree Deakins’ counsel, leaves members of the Association less equipped, less organized, and with diminished power in their day-to-day work and at the bargaining table with York University.
What Can You Do?
Catch up on old posts and keep up to date with the latest news from the YUFA sub-unit by reading our reports.