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In light of exceptional circumstances from COVID-19 public health measures at Concordia, TRAC would like to provide email templates should you need to contact your supervisor regarding current workplace and pay issues. When in doubt of your rights – whether those listed below or any others – please contact your union at [email protected]


You have a right to be paid for preparation time. This includes being paid for being trained/learning new software or platforms (eg. Moodle, Zoom, et cetera) and the time to familiarise yourself with these software/platforms outside of class hours. Get in touch with your professor and department to inform them of the hours you have spent on this training.

Sample email to be paid for preparation time:
Hello Professor [name], 
I have spent [X] amount of hours on learning/being trained to use [X] software/platform. I have been directed by TRAC to inform you of these hours so I may get compensated for them. 
Thanks, 
[Your name]

Do NOT work more hours than agreed to on your workload form, unless you have received clear instructions in writing from your professor to do so. Concordia University has advised that extra hours may not be compensated. 

Sample email if you know how many extra hours you will need:
Hello Professor [name], 
I have [X] hours left on my contract. I will need approximately [X] amount of extra hours to finish the work left. I have been notified by TRAC that I will not be paid for hours above my contract unless you give me your authorization. Should I continue working beyond the hours in my contract? 
[Your name]

Sample email if you do not know how many extra hours you will need:
Hello Professor [name], 
I have [X] hours left on my contract. I still have [X and Y] tasks to do. I have been notified by TRAC that I will not be paid for hours above my contract unless you give me your authorization. Should I continue working beyond the hours in my contract? If so, how many extra hours should I spend on the above tasks?
[Your name]