Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to contact the union?
There are several ways to contact the union. You can email cupe2278@interchange.ubc.ca. You could visit the office at #218 - 2150 Western Parkway, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1V6 (located at University Boulevard), but since staff are often out of the office at meetings, please call first to make sure someone will be there to help you. The phone/fax number is 604-224-2118. You can also join our Facebook group to stay up to date and in contact with other members of the union.
How do I know what my rights and duties are?
You can find all of your rights and responsibilities in the collective agreement, which you will find on our Contract page. You can also ask your departmental representative or email the office.
How do I get my health and dental cheque?
You will NOT have to submit an application form, because Health Rebate cheques will be written to all eligible members automatically.
How do I stay informed about bargaining and other issues?
One of the best ways to stay on top of things is to make sure you’re on our email list. You can do that on the main page. You can also visit this site often, read the newsletters that will arrive in your mailbox regularly, come to membership meetings, and join the CUPE 2278 Facebook group.
Who does the Union represent?
CUPE local 2278 represents graduate teaching assistants, undergraduate teaching assistants, language instructors, markers and tutors at UBC. Research assistants currently have no representation.
How much are we paid?
A full Teaching Assistantship is 384 hours over two terms, averaging at 12 hours per week. There are four wage categories. As of September 1st, 2009, the rates of pay are as follows:
GTA I (TA holds a Masters or PhD): $11,342 or $29.54/hour
GTA II (TA holds a BA or BSc): $10,914 or $28.42/hour
Undergraduate TA (TA holds no degree): $5,444 or $14.18/hour
Marker (grades ‘bubble sheet’ exams ONLY): $5,223 or $13.60/hour
Categories are not determined only by the program you are registered in. Students registered in PhD programs are paid at the GTA I rate, but a Masters student who already holds a Master’s degree in another discipline would also be paid at the GTA I rate. See Schedule A of the Collective Agreement (CA) for more information about wages.
What is the Hardship Maternity Fund?
The Hardship Maternity Fund is a new benefit gained in the last round of bargaining. It contains a limited amount of money to assist Teaching Assistants, Markers, and Tutors who are suffering financial hardship due to a loss of work resulting from the birth of a child. For more specific information email mat-pat@cupe2278.ca.
I've worked more hours this term than they've paid me for. What should I do?
You should contact your departmental representative or the union office. If you’ve worked more hours than you’ve been paid for, then you are owed money. The union can take steps to try to recover those lost wages.
I have a problem or complaint with my TAship, what should I do?
You should first discuss the matter with your departmental representative. After that, contact the union office and, if the issue cannot be resolved, a grievance can be filed on your behalf.