TSSU plans strike action beginning September 28

The Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU) has notified the university of plans to escalate strike action on Thursday, September 28^th. This includes:

• An indefinite teaching work stoppage at all campus locations. This means that TSSU members may not hold classes, tutorials or labs, invigilate exams, grade or correspond with students at any campus or online beginning September 28^th.
• Rotating daily picket lines at each campus location. Pickets announced so far include:
  • Thursday, September 28^th – SFU Surrey Campus
  • Friday, September 29^th – SFU Vancouver Campus
  • Tuesday, October 3^rd – SFU Burnaby Campus

Bargaining progress to date

SFU’s bargaining team met with TSSU leadership on September 18^th, 20^th and 25^th, tabling an updated proposal package with movement on key issues that support the goals of both parties. TSSU did not agree to the proposal and provided a counter-proposal that did not show movement on those key issues.

SFU has offered the maximum allowable general wage increases provided under the Province’s Shared Recovery Mandate, which directs collective bargaining in B.C.’s public sector. To date, about 96% of unionized employees in the province have tentative or ratified agreements settled under the Mandate, including APSA, CUPE Local 3338 and Poly Party at SFU.

Following SFU’s Labour Relations Philosophy, the university’s bargaining team continues to work towards a negotiated settlement. We have reiterated our request to meet twice-per-week and will continue bargaining until an agreement is reached. To date, TSSU leadership has not responded to this request or agreed to any other bargaining dates.

We recognize that strike action can put a strain on relationships between an employer and employees. Our focus remains on the academic success of our students, supporting our outstanding faculty and staff, and nurturing a thriving, world-class research environment. 

What you need to know about a TSSU work stoppage

TSSU’s strike action to declare all work as struck means that members may choose to withdraw services even where there are no picket lines. 

Withdrawing services beginning September 28^th could mean that TSSU members do not: 

• hold classes, tutorials, workshops, office hours, etc. 
• invigilate exams 
• grade or input grades 
• conduct class or tutorial preparation 
• correspond with students 

All TSSU members who withdraw services and do not perform their job duties will not be paid by the university as per University Policy GP-05. The university will work with TSSU leadership to ensure benefits are sustained during strike action.

Most unions include language in their collective agreements that outlines how they will support their members respecting picket lines. Typically, when union members are on strike, the union will use part of their employee dues to supplement lost wages for their members with strike pay. If you are a TSSU member concerned about loss of pay, please contact your TSSU representative.

What you need to know about picket lines

The right to respect a picket line is legal, as is the decision to enter a picketed building. Your union may have a bylaw that applies to members with regards to pickets and job action. Please speak with your union representative for guidance if you have questions. Please also refer to SFU’s Bargaining and Strike FAQs and GP-05 – Strike Policy.

Please note that if pickets are taking place at one campus, it is not considered crossing a picket line to attend another campus.

If you plan on respecting the picket line, please: 

• Check in with your union or APSA representative for guidance. 
• Notify your dean or supervisor about your intention as soon as possible. 
• Communicate with your students about if and how picket lines will affect classes and let them know your intention and expectations. 
• Be aware that faculty and staff who respect a picket line and do not report to work will not be paid for the time missed.  
• Read the Collective Bargaining FAQs for more information about your rights and responsibilities during a strike.  

If you plan to enter a picketed building, please: 

• Remain calm and respectful and avoid confrontation.  
• Consider alternative entrances and buddy up with a colleague as you enter and exit the building. 
• Expect banners, noise and cameras – picketers may photograph you if you enter the building or engage with the picket line. 
• Be aware that picketers cannot physically prevent you from entering a building.  
• Picketers may ask you to support them by joining the picket. It is your choice to engage or respond to requests from picketers. 

If you experience difficulty entering a building, you can contact Campus Public Safety at 778-782-4500 to report the incident and/or request a Safewalk. Please also take the time to complete a Strike Incident Report Form. 

Learn more about picketing and what you might expect by visiting the Collective Bargaining FAQs.