This article was updated on Feb. 3, 2025 at 5:58 p.m.
A strike that would have seen 1,100 workers at Queen’s University walk off the job was averted after a tentative agreement was reached at the 11th hour.
After months of negotiation and a looming strike deadline of Feb. 3, the University and three Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Locals representing workers at Queen’s including, CUPE Local 229 (tradespeople, maintenance workers, and caretakers and custodians), Local 1302 (library technicians), and Local 254 (lab technicians), have reached a tentative agreement to renew their Collective Agreements as of the morning of Feb. 3.
The unions began their negotiations for better working conditions and fair wages in October and November. The details of the agreements will remain confidential until they’re formally ratified by all parties, as confirmed in a Labour News update from the University. In addition to the CUPE agreements, the University also announced that Aramark, the company managing food services on campus, successfully renewed its collective agreements with CUPE Local 229.
President of CUPE Local 1302 Kim Bell called the tentative agreement a “hard-fought victory” that highlights the strength of collective action and solidarity of workers.
“This agreement is significant because it demonstrates that when workers stand together, we can push back against stagnating wages and demand respect for the work we do. It also sets a precedent for other unions on campus, showing that fair deals are possible when we remain united,” Bell said in a statement to The Journal.
READ MORE: Queen’s workers and community rally ahead of CUPE strike deadline
Looking ahead, Bell stresses the ongoing importance of solidarity for workers still in negotiations, specifically with April 30.
“Solidarity doesn’t stop when one contract is settled—we will continue to advocate for fair treatment for all workers at Queen’s,” Bell said.
Corrections
A previous version of this story stated PSAC 901, Local Unit 1, will start bargaining on Nov. 18 after their contracts expire this April 30. Bargaining began last Nov. 18 after contracts expired last April 30.
The Journal regrets the error
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