Update on collective bargaining with CUPE 233 and OPSEU employees

TMU is currently in negotiations with the goal of reaching a negotiated renewal of the collective agreements with both CUPE 233 and OPSEU. As an employer, the university values the work of employees across the university and respects their right to collective bargaining and the collective bargaining process. 

CUPE 233 update

The CUPE 233 union represents employees who work within Facilities Management and Development and provide maintenance and operations, as well as custodial and groundskeeping support for the university.  Negotiations with CUPE 233 began on September 12, 2022. The bargaining teams have met over 10 times and overall, discussions have been productive and significant progress has been made. 

In February 2023, the university learned that CUPE 233 members provided their bargaining team with a strike mandate. A conciliation officer was assigned, and an initial meeting took place on March 15. On March 20, the university received official notice that CUPE 233 requested a no board report which was issued to the parties on March 27. While the university is willing to continue meeting with the union, and remains hopeful that an agreement will be reached, contingency planning is underway in the event of a labour disruption.

In the event of a labour disruption, the university is committed to minimizing the impact on core activities such as learning, teaching and research; supports required for students living on campus; and to prioritize health and safety. Additional information will be provided if a strike occurs.

OPSEU 596 update

The OPSEU 596 union includes academic and administrative support staff across the university as well as research assistants. TMU and OPSEU 596 are currently in negotiations with the goal of reaching a negotiated renewal of the collective agreement. Negotiations began on October 31, 2022. 

The bargaining teams have met over 10 times and overall, discussions have been productive and significant progress has been made. In February, OPSEU filed for conciliation, and the first meeting with the appointed conciliation officer for OPSEU bargaining took place on March 27. The university looks forward to continuing to meet with the union and remains hopeful that an agreement will be reached. We’ll continue to provide more information as it becomes available. 

Continued updates to be shared once available

The university has created a central Bargaining Update webpage to share updates with the community. We will continue to share more information as it becomes available.