McGill TAs to vote on tentative agreement

Striking Teaching Assistants at McGill University will vote Thursday on a tentative agreement put forth by a government appointed conciliator. The proposal could end the bitter nine week strike.

The conciliator is recommending pay increases of 2.5 per cent in the first year, 3 per cent in the second and third, and 3.5 per cent in the fourth and final year of the contract.

Association of Graduate Students Employed at McGill (AGSEM), the union representing TAs, is recommending ratification of the proposal.

"It’s a fair compromise," said Richard Hink, president of the union.

The union and university will meet Thursday morning to negotiate a back-to-work protocol. Hinks say the major outstanding issue to be dealt with Thursday are the legal cases launched by striking TA who were fired from non-union positions, such as exam invigilators.

According to the union, the university is requesting the cases be dropped. The union refuses to drop the cases. "We’re willing to let the courts settle those cases unless the university offers compensation," said Hink.