Latest News

University of Toronto contract workers demand living wage, decent benefits

February 13, 2024

TORONTO – Approximately 3,800 contract workers at the University of Toronto now have a strike mandate to bolster their demands for living wages and basic health benefits from the country’s wealthiest university.

The workers, members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1998, work on contract at the University of Toronto and are classified by the university as “Casual employees.” The workers are in negotiations for a new collective agreement with the university, after their previous agreement expired in June 2023.

Union members voted last week by a 90% majority in favour of giving their bargaining committee a mandate to launch job action, including a strike, if the university fails to negotiate a fair contract. The union has set a deadline of 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 16 for the university to reach a deal.

“We’re encouraged by the level of engagement our members have shown throughout the bargaining process,” said Scott Eldridge, president of the USW Local 1998 bargaining unit representing the Casual employees.

“Our members are united in fighting for their rights to earn a living wage and to be treated better by the wealthiest university in Canada,” Eldridge said.

Many of the University of Toronto’s Casual employees work alongside full-time, continuing employees on the same projects, programs and services, but are treated quite differently, being paid lower wages and receiving a very limited health benefit. Some Casual workers are being paid only minimum wage.

The Casual employees work in administrative and technical roles ranging from research assistants and information technology, to student life officers, fitness centre employees and standardized patients working in the education and testing of medical professionals.

The Casual workers are on contracts ranging from a few weeks to a full year. Many of the workers have been employed with the university for many years, even decades, without access to permanent positions.

Negotiations resumed today, Feb. 12, with three days of bargaining scheduled for this week.

“Our members rightfully expect to see an offer from this employer that reflects the value of their work and skills, as well as the cost of living,” Eldridge said.

Join our newsletter

Recent news

A photo of group of people taking a photo in a park wearing winter clothes while smiling to the camera.

Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – December 2024

February 14, 2025 | Publications

Temporary foreign workers, permanent exploitation Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) in Canada are trapped in an unjust labour system that favours employers and erodes workers’ access to proper wages and occupational safety because of their immigration status. Under a “closed” work permit, their contract binds them to one employer, a situation that makes them at risk […]

Read More
Click to read the article about Steelworkers Humanity Fund update – December 2024
a group of people sitting inside a white tent with white and bleu flag

District 6 Update: A year of wins and progress for USW District 6

February 14, 2025 | News Articles

As the new USW District 6 Director, I am honoured to share our significant achievements over the past year. Our collective efforts have strengthened our organizing initiatives and led to notable bargaining successes that advance workers’ rights across Ontario and the Atlantic provinces. A highlight of our bargaining victories was at IMT Defence in Ingersoll, […]

Read More
Click to read the article about District 6 Update: A year of wins and progress for USW District 6
2 people standing in a workplace and shaking hands

District 5 Update: Standing up for migrant workers

February 14, 2025 | News Articles

In a report published this summer, United Nations’ Special Rapporteur Tomoya Obokata denounced Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), likening it to modern-day slavery. He also called for better access to permanent residency (which leads to citizenship) for migrant workers. These migrant workers are increasingly numerous among our members in USW locals, factories, hotels and […]

Read More
Click to read the article about District 5 Update: Standing up for migrant workers