Picket line protocol for ACTRA Toronto members reporting for work to a set at York University
CUPE 3903 Units 1 (teaching assistants), 2 (contract faculty) and 3 (graduate assistants) have been on strike since February 26, 2024.
ACTRA Toronto stands in solidarity with CUPE 3903 and its efforts to engage in meaningful discussions with York University.
The goal to enrich the quality of education at York University while fighting for decent wages during times of immense financial crisis, job stability for the workers who do over half the teaching at the university, and better workplace conditions that improve the learning experience for students, must remain paramount.
We urge York University to return to the table and finish bargaining with CUPE 3903.
If you are reporting for work to a set on the York campus, you may encounter picket lines organized by CUPE when entering or leaving work.
ACTRA members are NOT in a legal strike position and are reminded that they are expected to report to work as scheduled. That said, you should not attempt to cross a picket line where you believe your personal safety is at risk. Should this occur, you should contact the production’s ACTRA Business Rep for instructions.
Please see below some frequently asked questions with our answers based on the most current information available to us. We will provide updates as information changes that affects ACTRA members.
Can a production filming on the York campus be legally picketed?
The labour dispute is not with ACTRA or any producer, but rather between CUPE and the University. Unions have the legal right to set-up picket lines. Picketers have a right to effectively communicate information on a picket line and can do this on public property if they do not obstruct ordinary traffic on such thoroughfares.
Can local film unions who support CUPE have their members withhold services on a production filming at York University?
No. Any withdrawal of services by the members of ACTRA in support of the CUPE strike would be an illegal strike.
ACTRA and the other film unions in Ontario have language in their respective agreements that prohibits strikes or lockouts while their agreements are still in effect.
If you as an individual decide not to report to work as required, you may be subject to breach of contract claims or be subject to termination by the Producer.
What can I do to support striking CUPE workers?
CUPE 3903 encourages ACTRA members to share statements of solidarity and spread awareness of their strike by taking and posting supportive photographs or videos with CUPE 3903 members at the picket lines, using the hashtag #WeAreYork.
You may also wish to like and share CUPE 3903's social media posts and watch for updates on upcoming solidarity actions.
ACTRA Toronto members who wish to do so are encouraged to take part in information picket lines that have been set up by CUPE, outside of your contracted work time on an ACTRA production, during unpaid breaks or on days off.
What issues are CUPE striking over?
There is no shortage of information in the media about what CUPE is fighting for, but we recommend going to their website for information https://3903.cupe.ca/.
How long is the strike expected to last?
There is no way to predict how long the strike will continue. The last time CUPE 3903 held a strike was in 2018 and it lasted 143 days.
