NOTICE OF STRIKE VOTE
Dear Component 1 members,
We are deeply disappointed that UBC remains unwilling to negotiate a fair collective agreement with us. Your negotiating committee was unable to make any progress in mediation last week, despite the presence of a Labour Relations Board mediator. UBC continues to refuse to meaningfully consider our key priorities, including employer-paid health benefits, workload improvements, ending minimum funding clawbacks, academic freedom protections, and fair wages for Graduate Academic Assistants.
We have been clear with UBC that any agreement must address these priorities. Because UBC remains unwilling to bargain these priorities, negotiations have reached an impasse. It is time for us to increase the pressure on UBC to take our issues seriously and move toward a deal. In this light, the negotiating committee and executive committees have called for a strike vote.
The strike vote will take place between September 21 - 25, 2026.
Your negotiating committee is asking for your support by voting YES.
Why vote yes?
You want a better contract that addresses your key priorities
It will put pressure on UBC to reconsider their bargaining position
It puts us in the strongest position possible when negotiations resume
It is a vote of confidence for your negotiating committee
Where and when to vote:
The vote will take place in-person, on campus
Voting locations and times will be communicated via email and on our website next week
If you have access needs that limit your ability to attend on-campus at designated locations to vote, we will announce further information next week
Voting is done in-person by secret ballot. You can vote before work, on a break, or after work. You cannot vote during work time.
A YES vote sends a strong message to UBC.
A successful strike vote shows the university that we’re united, determined, and ready to stand together for a fair deal. With a powerful enough strike vote, we may be able to put enough pressure on the university to avoid needing to strike. A strike vote may be new to you, so there are FAQs below to help answer your questions. We want every member to have the information they need to confidently vote YES. While job action is always a last resort, we must be united and prepared should it become necessary. You can expect further updates throughout the next steps and invitations to get more involved in mobilization activities in the coming weeks.
Through your incredible engagement, solidarity, and support, we can all win an exceptional contract together.
In solidarity,
Your CUPE 2278 Negotiation Committee
STRIKE VOTE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What is a strike vote?
A strike vote is a secret-ballot vote required before a strike can legally happen under the BC Labour Code. All members who hold active contracts as TAs, GAAs, Exam Invigilators, or English Language Instructors can cast a ballot. A “yes” vote gives your negotiating committee the authority to take job action, if needed.
For CUPE 2278 members who are not actively employed by the university, we will hold a simultaneous second, unofficial ballot. While this ballot does not inform our legal obligations to the Labour Code, it is an important show of solidarity and an opportunity for members without active contracts to make their voice heard. These ballots will be cast at the same polling stations as the official Labour Code-regulated ballot.
Does a ‘yes’ vote mean we’re going on strike?
A strike vote does not necessarily mean a strike will happen. Its purpose is to give your negotiating committee a mandate to apply pressure and return to the table with the strongest possible position. There are many possible steps between a strike vote and a full walkout, and bargaining can continue at any time.
What happens after a successful strike vote?
A successful strike vote increases pressure on the university and signals that members are united in seeking a fair agreement. If there is still no progress, the negotiating committee will consider next steps and keep members informed.
What does “being on strike” mean?
Strike action can take different forms and does not automatically mean a full walkout. It may begin with measures such as withholding grades or an email ban, and could escalate to partial or full withdrawal of labour if necessary. Any action would be strategic, phased, and guided by member support.
Do I get paid if I’m on strike?
Yes. All striking members who complete strike duties would receive the same weekly strike pay rate ($425) regardless of appointment type, term, or hours of work.
What would I have to do to get strike pay?
You must complete strike duties (minimum 20 hours per week) to qualify for strike pay. If you are unable to walk a picket line, our Strike Committee & Strike Accessibility Working Group are carefully considering accessible picketing options and will share more information as it becomes necessary.
What if I am on leave when the strike starts?
If you are on parental leave you would continue to receive EI benefits. If you prefer, you may cancel your EI benefits, sign up for picket duty and collect strike pay. You cannot collect both EI and strike pay. If you are on another type of leave when the strike begins (sick leave, vacation, WorkSafe, or other approved leave), the leave continues for its duration.
I have a question not included here…
Reach out to president@cupe2278.ca if you have any further questions.