Today we’re excited to announce that, once again, RAs have come together to organize to cement their rights as workers and members of TSSU by signing Union Cards.
RAs were “voluntarily recognized” as included in TSSU by SFU in 2019 and then granted full membership rights, yet SFU continues to breach the agreement and refuses to bargain a fair deal that includes all RAs. However, if at least 55% of all RAs sign a union card, then the BC Labour Relations Board can step in and have full oversight to force SFU to bargain with TSSU. This allows us to bypass SFU’s union busting tactics in the quickest and cleanest way possible.
When you sign a card, you are signifying your support for TSSU to be able to bargain collectively and represent the interest of RAs. As a whole, the cards serve as a “snapshot” of the workforce and signify the desires of RAs as a group of workers to unionize and be represented by TSSU.
Signing union cards will allow RAs to fight for our first contract with additional pressure and backing from a more powerful body, the Labour Relations Board, and let SFU know that we cannot be ignored. We need to demonstrate our collective power and show that we will never give up!
If you are a research assistant getting paid this summer through payroll (including if you are paid as scholarship, stipend, or top-up), then you are eligible to sign a card. Check out our “Are you an RA?” page to find out more about your eligibility.
If you still need to sign a card, or if you are unsure about whether or not you are eligible to do so, then you can meet meet one of our organizers at the following days and locations:
Monday, May 29th, 1 – 4 PM: Burnaby Campus, Outside of Mackenzie Cafe
Tuesday, May 30th, 1 – 4 PM: Burnaby Campus, Outside of Mackenzie Cafe
Wednesday, May 31st, 1 – 4 PM: Surrey Campus, Mezzanine
Thursday, April 1st, 1 – 4 PM: Burnaby Campus, Outside of Mackenzie Cafe
Friday, April 2nd, 1 – 4 PM: Burnaby Campus, Outside of Mackenzie Cafe
Additionally, you can stop by TSSU’s office in AQ 5129 from Monday to Friday 10 AM – 5 PM to sign a card or find out more.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch at organizers@tssu.ca if you have any questions.