Deal reached for Queen’s University graduate TA’s, ending strike: union

Queen's University signage is seen in Kingston, Ont., Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg

The union representing graduate teacher’s assistants at Queen’s University says it reached a deal with the institution, ending a weeks-long strike.

The Public Service Alliance and Canada Local 901 went on strike March 10, calling for wage increases, childcare support and other protections. The union represents 2,000 graduate students who are employed as TA’s, fellows and research assistants.

In a news release Tuesday, the union said it reached and accepted a three-year agreement with Queen’s.

“These workers stood strong for nearly six weeks and were successful in achieving a contract that improves their working conditions and also sets new standards for academic workplaces across Ontario,” said Craig Reynolds, PSAC’s regional executive vice-president for Ontario, in the release.

Queen’s did not confirm details of the deal Tuesday but noted that it had reached a tentative agreement with the union on April 16.

The union says the deal includes a pay increase of 3 per cent in 2025 then a 2.25 per cent increase plus “market adjustment” amounting to 12.86 per cent for 2026. The workers will receive a further 2.25 per cent increase in 2027.

The union will be given $110,000 to use to “aid workers with childcare costs” along with improvements to sick leave.

The deal also provides protections against caste-based discrimination, funding clawbacks and a “recognition of the intellectual property rights” of research assistants.

The wage increases are in line with an offer the university provided the union last month, effectively bringing wages to $50 an hour or $9,924 when paid out as a stipend for fellows. Queen’s said the offer aligned with other recently ratified settlements it has made with other unions.

The new agreement will expire on April 30, 2027.