Collective Agreement USW U of T: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re a part of the University of Toronto community, whether as a student, staff member, or faculty member, you may have heard of the collective agreement between USW (United Steelworkers) and U of T. But what exactly is a collective agreement, and what does it mean for you?
A collective agreement is a legally binding agreement between an employer and a union that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for unionized workers. It covers everything from wages and benefits to job duties and working conditions. At U of T, the USW represents over 2,000 staff members across all three campuses.
The current collective agreement between USW and U of T was negotiated in 2017 and will be in effect until 2020. Some of the key provisions of the agreement include:
Wages: USW members at U of T are paid on a salary grid based on their job classification and years of service. The agreement outlines annual salary increases for the duration of the agreement.
Benefits: USW members are eligible for a range of benefits, including extended health care, dental care, vision care, and life insurance. The agreement sets out the details of these benefits, as well as any changes or updates to them.
Job security: The agreement includes provisions for job security, including protection against layoffs and job displacement due to outsourcing or technological changes.
Working conditions: The agreement outlines various aspects of working conditions, such as hours of work, overtime pay, and vacation entitlement. It also includes provisions for workplace safety and harassment prevention.
In addition to these provisions, the collective agreement also includes a grievance procedure for resolving disputes between the union and the employer. This procedure ensures that both parties have a fair and transparent process for resolving any issues that may arise.
So what does all of this mean for you? If you’re a USW member at U of T, the collective agreement provides you with a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities as an employee. It also gives you the assurance that you’re being treated fairly and consistently in terms of pay, benefits, and working conditions.
If you’re not a USW member, the collective agreement may still affect you indirectly. For example, if you’re a student, the working conditions of USW members may impact the services and resources that are available to you. If you’re a faculty member, you may work alongside USW members or rely on their support services.
Overall, the collective agreement between USW and U of T is an important document that helps to ensure fair and equitable treatment for USW members at the university. If you’re a USW member, make sure you’re familiar with the provisions of the agreement and understand your rights and responsibilities. And if you’re not a USW member, take the time to learn about the important work that USW members do to support U of T’s academic mission.