Sent March 3, 2015 via electronic and letter mail

Dear members of CUPE Local 3903

We as youth workers and members of CUPE Local 2195 stand together with you in support of improving the conditions for scholarship and study at York University, and for all members of our communities.

As a community of social workers, working in employment, housing, mental health, and youth justice, we are committed to a future where education is accessible to all and is of the highest quality. We have a shared interest in simultaneously advocating for the best possible learning conditions for young people and families like those we work with, and for the members of our professions studying in your university.

With one of the largest budgets in all of Ontario, it is shameful that York University continues to offer wage increases well below inflation, while not budging on increased job security for its contract faculty. It is known that there are strong links between unstable employment, unfair wages and struggles with social determinants of health. If our communities are to be healthy, they need to be educated by professionals who can live and work with dignity, and dedicate their time and energy to their work.

In a provincial and federal climate or growing anti-union sentiments, we know it is more important than ever to stand in solidarity with workers across sectors and large distances. Please know you have the support of CUPE 2195 and its members. We too believe communities are stronger when our education system is healthy.

In solidarity, and on behalf of our members
Don Baker
President, CUPE 2195

March 3, 2015 via electronic and letter mail

Dear members of CUPE local 3902

We as youth workers and members of CUPE Local 2195 stand together with you in support of improving the conditions for scholarship and study at the University of Toronto, and for all members of our communities.

As a community of social workers, working in employment, housing, mental health, and youth justice, we are committed to a future where education is accessible to all and is of the highest quality. We have a shared interest in simultaneously advocating for the best possible learning conditions for young people and families like those we work with, and for the members of our professions studying in your university.

It is difficult to think that the University of Toronto finds it appropriate to spend only 4% of its total annual budget on those responsible for over 65% of teaching at the university. Perhaps more challenging yet, is their unwillingness to move away from a prolonged wage freeze and ensure workers at the university, many of whom are also their students, maintain a minimum quality of life, despite a budget surplus in excess of $200 million. It is known that there are strong links between unstable employment, unfair wages and struggles with social determinants of health. If our communities are to be healthy, they need to be educated by professionals who can live and work with dignity, and dedicate their time and energy to their work.

In a provincial and federal climate or growing anti-union sentiments, we know it is more important than ever to stand in solidarity with workers across sectors and large distances. Please know you have the support of CUPE 2195 and its members. We too believe communities are stronger when our education system is healthy.

In solidarity, and on behalf of our members
Don Baker
President, CUPE 2195