In addition to acting as one of your TA mentors, I, David Johnston, have volunteered to be the Union Rep for the Creative Writing Program this year. As the new year and semester begin, remember that CUPE 2278 is here if you ever need us.
If you haven’t read it already, the quick guide to the CUPE 2278 collective agreement, which outlines job descriptions and wages, vacation and leave, seniority, and other rights as a member of the union is a good place to start.
We’d like to remind you to make sure the course instructor sends you the Allocation of Hours form and that you track your hours. Please note that the Allocation of Hours includes the online training and vacation hours. If you think you’re going to exceed your allotted hours, let the instructor know as soon as possible. This allows the program administration to plan more accurately for the future, and also to make other arrangements for the current semester.
You also have paid sick days if you need them and academic unpaid leave if your schoolwork conflicts with your TA duties (e.g., due to attendance at a conference).
Most issues TAs encounter result from misunderstandings and are easily resolved by communicating directly with instructors. However, if you need advice or support, the Union is there to help. CUPE 2278 has paid staff who are experienced in navigating TA work-related issues. You pay for this service out of your dues, so don’t be afraid to use it! Also, bringing issues to the union’s attention helps them know what to address next time they negotiate a collective agreement with the University.
Any communication is kept confidential and CUPE will not take any action on your behalf unless you instruct them to do so. If the union intervenes on your behalf, labour law prohibits employers from taking any punitive action.
The gig economy endangers workers’ rights that were fought for generations ago. We’re lucky, as Teaching Assistants, to be part of a large established union (in fact, Canada’s largest, with over 700,000 members) that helps to set standards for the rest of the working world.
If you have any questions, you can reach me at factotumfilm@gmail.com. Or you can contact the union: president@cupe2278.ca. If you’re interested in getting involved in committees, attending union meetings, and getting to know the union community, which extends far beyond CRWR, please get in touch!