Why vote for TRAC?
Dear members of the Concordia and TRAC community!
The moment we've all been waiting for is right around the corner - the vote to decide who will represent our Teaching and Research Assistants at Concordia. We understand that the information out there can be a bit perplexing and sometimes conflicting. That's why your TRAC union executives are here to provide clarity and lay down some essential facts that you should keep in mind during this critical election period:
Fact #1: TRAC-PSAC is Still Your Current Union: Even if you signed a CREW-CSN card last semester, TRAC is the union currently representing all Teaching and Research Assistants at Concordia. You can count on us for support, guidance, and answers to all your questions related to your work at Concordia. We're here for all Teaching and Research Assistants at Concordia, regardless of your stance in this upcoming election. It's worth noting that CREW-CSN, on the other hand, isn't a certified union and can't advocate on your behalf to Concordia.
Fact #2: Smooth Sailing with TRAC, Delays Ahead with CREW: TRAC is all set and ready to dive straight into negotiations. Our elected representatives from within our workforce are raring to champion our demands to Concordia. No time wasted, no bureaucracy to navigate. On the flip side, if CREW wins the vote, we're looking at delays on delays. CREW would have to start from scratch - electing executives, drafting and approving bylaws, and setting up accounts - all before they can even focus on bargaining. Now, ask yourselves, do you really want to wait through all those delays? Do you want to see your goals pushed further into the future?
Fact #3: Operating Within the Law: Both TRAC and CREW can operate within the confines of the law, with support from their parent unions. It's important to note that no union is allowed to organize a strike outside of the bargaining periods, which was what CREW aimed to do when they were part of TRAC. Participating in an illegal strike could result in costly fines, as much as $50,000 imposed by the labour tribunal, for which the union and its members would personally be held responsible.
Fact #4: TRAC - Advocates for Your Rights: TRAC takes care of us in various ways. From allocating dues to various projects to acting as advocates during contract grievances and bargaining, we're here to ensure that all members are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace. We've got your back!
Fact #5: A Crucial Moment for Our Union: Your TRAC-PSAC executives understand that this is a crucial moment for our union. The results of this election will determine who represents us at the bargaining table, during grievances, and in activities across campus. Our “TRAC record” speaks for itself, and we are prepared to take this union to new heights in the 2023-2024 academic year.
We're all faced with a significant decision, one that will shape our future. Your elected TRAC-PSAC executives want to make it clear why TRAC will provide us with better representation in the long run. We're in this together, and your vote matters. Let's stand strong and united!
GAINS
Let's talk about numbers! Since 2010, the TRAC team has been championing fair wages, and the results speak for themselves.
TA Wage Growth: TA wages have been on the rise, averaging an impressive 7.99% increase per year. That's more than double the rate for similar roles at McGill under CSN.
PhD RA Wage Surge: PhD RA wages have increased by an impressive 30% since the first TRAC-PSAC collective agreement in 2010!
Remarkable Wage Increases: TRAC's impact isn't limited to TAs and RAs alone. Positions like undergraduate markers, laboratory assistants, and class assistants have seen wage increases of up to a staggering 13.65%!
SERVICES
More for less! PSAC provides numerous services including a strike fund, legal representation, and financial management, all for just 1.7% of your dues. Compare that to CSN dues at McGill, which are 2.5%. That's a significant difference in your pocket!
Financial Stability: PSAC's administrative structure offers ongoing financial management to TRAC at NO extra cost. This means financial stability and consistent services for student TA and RA unions, especially in times of short contracts and frequent executive turnover. CREW would have to manage their own finances at an ADDITIONAL cost to members.
BARGAINING
Proven Expertise: TRAC's parent union, PSAC, brings extensive bargaining experience to the table. They've successfully negotiated competitive salaries for approximately 40,000 TAs and RAs across Canada, and over 20,000 of them are right here in Quebec. When it comes to securing fair deals, PSAC knows how to get it done.
Strong Bargaining History: PSAC has a strong bargaining history on behalf of TRAC members, and that reputation will be carried into negotiations with Concordia.
Achieving the Highest: Just recently, PSAC successfully negotiated the highest minimum wage in Canada for postdoctoral fellows at McGill (AMURE-PSAC) and will strive to do the same for our TRAC workers!
ADVOCACY
Championing Inclusivity: PSAC legally challenged Quebec’s Professional Syndicates Act, ensuring that TAs and RAs without citizenship can hold positions of power in unions. This landmark court case isn't just about legality; it's about recognizing the rights of international students and pushing back against xenophobia and racism. Your vote for TRAC-PSAC supports inclusivity and equality.
Fighting Discrimination: PSAC consistently battles discrimination in the workplace, especially in the university sector. Just recently, PSAC reached a 30 million dollar settlement for McGill employees facing gender-based salary discrimination. PSAC remains vigilant, ensuring that discriminatory practices and laws have no place in our workplace.
TRAINING
Empowering Education: PSAC offers free online training in both French and English to all unionized members, equipping us with the knowledge we need to advocate for ourselves in the workplace.
Your Voice Matters: At PSAC, member involvement is the backbone of a strong union. The decisions that affect our workplace are made by us, the members!
TRANSPARENCY
Long-Term Commitment: Your TRAC-PSAC executives are not just here for the vote; we're here to support you throughout your academic journey.
Power to the Members: At TRAC-PSAC, we firmly believe that a strong union is all about putting power in the hands of our members—you! We value transparency and haven't made decisions without your input.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Proven Representation: PSAC is the ONLY parent union with experience representing Research Assistants in this crucial election. We know your value and we will fight fiercely for you. Your rights and fair compensation are our top priorities!
A Unified Vision: TRAC has a concrete plan in place to unite all RAs under a single, better-paying job classification. We will demand more equitable pay for Research Assistants. PSAC has a track record of achieving similar victories at Concordia, which TAs have currently, and we want the same for you. However, the CREW-CSN does not represent any RAs and their experience is limited to graduate McGill TAs.
PROTECTION
Protection and Guidance: TRAC and PSAC have your best interests at heart. We're committed to providing ongoing guidance to ensure our union operates within the bounds of provincial and federal labour laws. This means keeping you informed about actions that could harm us and cost us money, like illegal striking, which CREW wanted to do.
Collaboration and Accountability: PSAC's structure is all about teamwork and accountability. We collaborate to ensure members' interests always come first. It's not just words; it's how we operate.
BETTER PAY, QUICKER
Certified and Ready: TRAC is the ONLY certified union among your voting options. Your vote for TRAC-PSAC allows us to jump into contract negotiations as soon as we elect a bargaining committee. No time wasted!
No Delays: CREW-CSN, on the other hand, will need time to certify and establish themselves as a union, which could further delay bargaining.
Retroactive Pay: TRAC is committed to your well-deserved retroactive pay. We'll fight to make up for the time lost during the CREW-CSN raid. Your hard work should never go unrecognized!
RESPECT
Respecting Your Privacy: Your TRAC-PSAC union respects your boundaries. We want you to know that we've never made visits to members' homes. Your privacy and personal space are important to us.
Limiting Calls: We've been attentive to your feedback about repeat calls. We want to reassure you that TRAC-PSAC has reached out by phone at most two times, and it's only to inform you of your right to vote in the upcoming election. If you receive any other soliciting calls claiming to be TRAC, they're not from us.
With TRAC-PSAC, you're not just voting; you're voting for efficiency, experience, and a commitment to your fair compensation. Let's get the results you deserve. Vote TRAC!
In strength and solidarity,
Your elected TRAC-PSAC team
#TRACforBetterRepresentation #UnionStrong