USW Local 1998 members have ratified a new three-year contract for members working at the University of St. Michael’s College (SMC), a college within the University of Toronto. The 60 members all work full-time in administrative, fundraising, custodial, building operations and student-facing roles.
Prior to bargaining, the union reached a historic agreement with the university which brought in pay equity adjustments retroactive to 2014 for some female-dominant job classes. The employer also agreed to a job evaluation maintenance protocol which will ensure a fair and transparent system to determine the classification and pay level for jobs going forward. This agreement also makes the University of St. Michael’s College compliant with Ontario’s Pay Equity Act.
The bargaining committee also negotiated a new wage grid beginning in year three of the contract. The new system addresses previous inconsistencies in compensation and ensures equal pay for equal work.
Bill 124
During negotiations, the Ontario government’s Bill 124 was overturned by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Bill 124 limited compensation increases, including salaries, pensions and benefits for millions of unionized broader public sector workers in Ontario, to 1% for three-year periods.
As a result, the SMC unit was able to negotiate a 6% wage increase over the life of the contract, at 2% each year.
With the implementation of the new compensation system, the majority of members will see an additional wage increase of up to 5% when they move to the new pay grid in the final year of the contract.
“This contract has received favourable membership feedback. After three years of living through the COVID-19 pandemic, this new contract will help lift a lot of people up,” said Steven Craig, USW Local 1998 SMC Unit President.
Other contract improvements
The unit will see improvements in medical benefits, bringing members in line with full-time USW members working at the University of Toronto.
The contract introduces accommodation language related to return to work from medical leaves and positive changes to sick leave implementation, making it less restrictive to access.
“Congratulations to Local 1998 SMC’s negotiating team, in achieving your members’ bargaining goals. The success of our union is a reflection of the work Steelworkers like you do each day,” said USW District 6 Director Myles Sullivan.
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