CUPE Local 3908 Unit 1 and Trent University are pleased to jointly announce that a new collective agreement has been ratified, following ratification of the agreement at the Board of Governors meeting on Thursday, December 22, 2016. The agreement was previously ratified by the majority of voting members of CUPE after a ten-day voting period ending Wednesday, December 21, 2016.

CUPE 3908 Unit 1 represents all part-time employees of Trent University in the Province of Ontario (including Peterborough and Durham) engaged in teaching, demonstrating, tutoring, or marking in the academic programs of the University, excluding persons who are registered students of the University.

“The University is pleased to have reached this agreement with CUPE 1 and I would like to applaud both bargaining teams for their work,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent. “This new agreement will help to ensure that our University is able to continue to deliver on its commitment to be recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction.”

"Members of the local are excited to see an agreement that begins to address the key issue of job security. Continuing appointments in Nursing and other programs will recognize and strengthen the commitment that our members make to the Trent community,” added Diane Therrien, president of CUPE 3908.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• A three-year term commencing September 1, 2016, to August 31, 2019
• New language around continuing appointments
• Enhancements to the professional development fund in years one, two, and three, as well as an increase to the individual benefits threshold
• Across-the-board increases to stipends and rates in years one, two, and three as well as a one-time base market adjustment to Course Instructor stipends effective September 1, 2016