United Steel Workers (USW) is confirmed as the bargaining agent for academic assistants, tutors and markers. The result of a vote count last week is 11 to one in favour of unionization.

The timelines for notice to bargain and the commencement of bargaining for negotiating a first collective agreement are spelled out in the Ontario Labour Relations Act.

Outstanding issues regarding the bargaining unit for this application were resolved at a meeting between the University and USW last month. By agreement senior tutors are excluded; they will be included in the general staff application.