Hundreds of workers at the University of Victoria have a tentative contract that their union says addresses low wages and job security.
The pact covers 450 sessional lecturers and music instructors, members of CUPE 4163 Component 3.
A statement from the union says the proposed deal was reached after two days of mediation, following five months of unsuccessful bargaining.
CUPE says the lecturers and instructors teach 30 per cent of the university’s student population but lack job security, make a lower wage than workers in other public sector locals and have seen class sizes almost double.
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They must also reapply for their position every term.
On Aug. 1, the union announced sessional lecturers and music instructors had voted more than 90 per cent in favour of job action.
Greg Melnechuk, CUPE 4163 president, says bargaining was frustrating but the mediator helped the two sides find common ground.
“We didn’t get everything we wanted but it’s a good start that we believe goes a long way to improving working conditions for our members,” Melnechuk says in the statement.
More details will be made available once ratification has ended.
The Canadian Press
