Deal struck with Queen's University after nearly 6-week strike: grad student union
University says it hasn't yet ratified the contract
The union representing graduate students at Queen's University says it's reached a new deal with the school, ending a nearly six-week strike that stretched into exam season.
Hundreds of teaching and research assistants walked off the job on March 10 calling for higher wages and more support in what's believed to be the first academic strike in the university's history.
In a statement shared Tuesday morning, PSAC Local 901 said it reached an agreement with Queen's on April 16, and ratification votes were held the next day.
The university said it's aware the union's members voted in favour of the deal, but Queen's still needs to successfully ratify the agreement.
Administrators are "expected to consider the matter as soon as possible," read a statement from the school.
The new contract includes pay increases of 3 per cent this year, then another increase of 2.25 per cent in 2026, along with a 12.86 per cent market adjustment. Pay will again increase by 2.25 per cent in 2027, according to the union.
It said $110,000 to help with child care costs, improvements to sick leave and recognition of intellectual property rights for research assistants were among other "significant achievements" secured as part of the deal.
"These workers stood strong for nearly six weeks and were successful in achieving a contract that improves their working conditions, and also sets new standards for academic workplaces across Ontario," read a quote from Craig Reynolds, PSAC's executive vice-president for Ontario, which was included in the release.
The agreement would be in place until April 30, 2027.