CUPE 5524 WILL STAND UP FOR QUALITY TEACHING AND RESPECT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
CUPE 5524 calls for all Sessional Faculty to have secure, inclusive, and equitable working conditions. This is the only way to establish stable and consistent learning environments for our students. Fair wages, manageable workloads, and a culture of respect are needed for our members to thrive in our roles, deliver quality education, and make positive contributions to the academic community.
The quality of support for Sessional Faculty translates to quality of teaching for students.
A lack of support for teaching adversely affects students, while at the same time, our members grapple with job insecurity, inadequate compensation, and the absence of benefits.
This situation is unsustainable and demands collective action.
Lack of action from University administration
Every other publicly-funded University in Canada has representation for their Sessional Faculty. The University of Waterloo relies on our skills, knowledge, and dedication but exploits the precarity of our work, expecting us to accept what we have. The University emphasizes their commitment to the well-being of its academic staff but fails to provide adequate support for and recognition of Sessional Faculty. Consequently, we are left in vulnerable positions and without secure contracts.
We need:
- transparent parameters on instructor duties, responsibilities, and hours;
- accountability and transparency in hiring practices;
- access to health and disability benefits, paid sick days, and parental leave;
- a reduction in class sizes conducive to safe and effective teaching and learning; and
- reliable access to subsequent appointments.
The University’s failure to address these issues undermines the quality of education for students and erodes the professional and personal lives of our dedicated members.
Our Vision
Our vision is one where students benefit from the stable and fully supported expertise of Sessional Faculty who are integral members of the University community, acknowledged for their expertise and dedication. We aspire to a future where we receive the same rights and benefits as our full-time counterparts, creating an environment of equality and mutual respect.
By advocating for fair compensation, job security, and access to benefits, we strive to establish a harmonious University community that thrives on equitable treatment and collaboration. We want to:
- Deliver Quality Education: Fair compensation and reasonable work expectations enable us to concentrate on delivering effective teaching, grading, and student support, enriching the student experience.
- Contribute Our Expertise: Equitable wages acknowledge and compensate us for our specialized knowledge and the valuable contributions we bring to the learning environment.
- Foster Job Satisfaction and Retention: When we feel valued and respected, we do our best work, fostering continuity and stability within departments and faculties.
- Enhance Well-being and Mental Health: Excessive workloads contribute to stress and burnout, adversely affecting our mental health. Respecting sensible working hours and expectations promotes our overall well-being and effectiveness.
Building People Power
To achieve solidarity, we must unite our members, amplify our collective voice, and gain the support of allies.
Together, let us hold the University accountable to its mission to be “a place where talent and knowledge impact the complex, changing realities of our society.” Let us envision and create a University community where everyone–regardless of employment status–thrives and contributes to the pursuit of knowledge.
In solidarity,
CUPE Local 5524 Executive Committee
University of Waterloo Sessional Faculty