In a joint communication released today, SFU and the TSSU announced that they have come to an agreement of voluntary recognition, which is when an employer expedites the union certification process and agrees to acknowledge the union as the representative bargaining agent for a group of employees.

This means that the Labour Board will not need to hold a certification vote at the end of the month. Through the union's democratic and member-driven process, RAs can begin building a bargaining committee, surveying workplaces in all departments, engaging faculty, and setting bargaining priorities – starting today.

The voluntary recognition process is initiated by the employer, though it is by no means an indication of their virtue or generosity. We won this agreement together: research assistants at SFU demanding their right to unionize, along with support from a coalition of faculty, local political representatives, and unions from across North America. SFU would not have offered a voluntary recognition if not for the overwhelming support for our campaign.

Please join your fellow RAs and supporters at our Victory Rally on Thursday, November 21, 1–2pm at Cornerstone Square (SFU Transportation Centre), SFU Burnaby. 

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We are holding three info sessions for all RAs about what to expect next for our campaign:

Vancouver TSSU General Membership Meeting
Wed, Nov 21, 4:30–6:30pm, HC 2945

Burnaby Info Session
Tue, Nov 26, 12:30–2pm, MBC 2290

Surrey Info Session
Thu, Nov 28, 4:30–6:30pm, Location TBD

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Connect with us if you have any questions:

Call or text: 778-751-6259
Email: researchiswork@tssu.ca
Burnaby Office: AQ5129 & AQ5130
Surrey Office: SUR351
Harbour Centre Office: UM134

Congratulations to our historic win together!