#weareuoft

Earlier today, the University and CUPE 3902 met to discuss a potential agreement. The university proposed a counter deal to the one CUPE 3902 put forward. Allegedly, this deal offered less than the original agreement put forward and was rejected by the bargaining team. The ASSU Executive, like all undergraduates at the University of Toronto tonight received an e-mail from the Provost's office notifying us of this development. In it, the University assures students that everything will be done to save the term, especially for those students who are graduating. Specifically, they say that "they are working with divisions and Faculties to identify concrete options for those courses that have been affected by striking CUPE 3902 instructors". We are wary of this statement - as it alludes to the possibility of other instructors taking over the course, or to drastic syllabi changes. Many of our students have already reported this. When the university says "its priority is to ensure our students complete the term", it is laughable. Their priority is to fill some of the void with strikebreakers. To attempt to stem a massive wound with a couple of bandages. As we have said previously, these methods being applied are ineffective and may decrease the quality of education being received in the course. Suddenly changing instructors, changing evaluation methods and assignments can adversely affect a student's academic record. Students are paying money for a subpar education. If the university's actual priority is to help us undergraduates - they would be meeting, every day with the union to find a deal. And they would offer a deal that attempts to address the grievances put forward by the union. Instead, Simcoe Hall preoccupies itself with crafting clever statements and e-mails to students. This is a callous disregard for what we are asking for - which is for U of T to negotiate in good faith. We, like many students are angry. Simcoe Hall, stop playing games with our education - negotiate! To our members - we will not stop fighting for your rights. If you have any questions or feel like your rights are being violated, please visit our office at SS1068 or e-mail us at [email protected] Let the provost know how you feel: [email protected]"