CUPE 3908 stands in solidarity with the Association of Teaching Professors of the University of Ottawa (ATPUO). After five months of negotiations, ATPUO is taking to the picket lines for job security, fair compensation, and manageable working conditions. 

Contract academic workers are the backbone of post-secondary education. ATPUO represents approximately 2,500 sessional faculty members, who teach over half of the courses at the University of Ottawa. They carry the majority of the academic load, yet they are excluded from true inclusion and decision-making within the university. These workers deserve a voice at all levels— the Senate, Board of Governors, and within Departments. 

ATPUO is calling for the University to end artificial divisions between their work and that of their colleagues. Equal work deserves equal pay and benefits. Their membership is no less qualified or deserving of equitable working conditions than their full-time counterparts. 

The University of Ottawa works because its part-time faculty works, not despite them. It is time for the University to treat ATPUO members with the fairness and respect they deserve. 

CUPE 3908 urges the University of Ottawa to return to the bargaining table with an offer that reflects the vital role that ATPUO members have in making the university thrive. ATPUO members are accomplished educators and academics—without them, the university would not be where it is today. 

We ask members of the community, including our own membership, to support ATPUO by amplifying their messages and participating in their letter-writing campaign. Learn more about the ATPUO letter-writing campaign here: https://apeuo-atpuo.ca/bargaining-updates

Finally, to our colleagues on the picket lines, your struggle is our struggle, and CUPE 3908 has your back.

In solidarity,

CUPE 3908 Executive Board