News Archive: October 2008

A Union for UdeM research professionals

After a compaign lasting several months, the 900 externally funded research professionals of the Université de Montréal finally have their union. The vote organized by the Commission des relations de travail du Québec (Quebec Labour Relations Board) confirmed that 70% of the professionals were in favour of recognizing the Syndicat des employé(e)s de la recherche (SERUM), an affiliate of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC-FTQ). The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) now represents 13,900 members working in the Quebec university sector including Graduate Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants and Research Professionals. PSAC also represents 1800 Graduate Teaching Assistants and 110 Postdoctoral Fellows employed as postdoctoral associates at the University of Western Ontario. Graduate TAs/TFs at Queen's will be joining one of the largest and most progressive Unions in Canada with a demonstrated record in the university sector.

PSAC to represent postdocs at Western

One of Canada's largest and most progressive Unions, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, will soon be certified by the Ontario Labour Relations Board to represent the postdoctoral fellows employed as postdoctoral associates at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) in London, Ontario.

UWO and PSAC reached an agreement which recognizes that all current postdoctoral associates are employees and shall be represented by PSAC. The UWO and PSAC also agreed to develop objective criteria to determine which postdoctoral fellows are employed as postdoctoral associates and which postdoctoral fellows are independent contractors. (Read the full press release attached)

By forming a Local Union of PSAC (TAFA), Graduate TAs and TFs at Queen's will be joining a strong national Union with demonstrated experience in the University sector.

PSAC to represent postdoctoral fellows at Western:
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