Oh I know...just saying they will probably update it shortly after bargaining ends at 12:01am. They have been going nonstop since 2ish, which I think is a good sign. It's not a bad thing that they haven't updated it - it means they have nothing to be upset about currently and that they are still talking it out!

New update on the CUPE blog:

October 30, 11:30pm ~ Despite our frustration that the University Administration has put no new money on the table since October 14th, our bargaining team has gone through almost the entire document and put together a package which cleans up many of the remaining non-monetary issues, and brings the cost of our proposal in year one to significantly less than the total amount of the graduate tuition increase enacted this year. We still remain committed to working to reach a deal at the bargaining table, but will not sacrifice the key bargaining priorities our members have identified time and time again.

Doesn't say anything about whether they will be extending their strike deadline, or whether they're actually going on strike... doesn't say much really, but at least it's something.

Woow. So clear I want to stick needles in my eyes in frustration.

For the people worried about lecture - two separate profs have told my classes that they have to cross the picket line and keep teaching, so lectures will still be continuing if there is a strike

It's 12:01 AM

Dun Dun Duuun

"October 31, 12:01am ~ While CUPE 3906 is now in a legal strike position, we are continuing to actively work at the table because we feel a deal is possible this weekend."

October 31, 12:01am ~ While CUPE 3906 is now in a legal strike position, we are continuing to actively work at the table because we feel a deal is possible this weekend.

Let's keep our fingers crossed! Finally, I can go to bed! :p

its 12:01....

Sounds like they haven't reached a deal just yet but its coming soon. Sounds somewhat hopeful at least.

Its a good sign that they are still on the table. Let's keep our fingers cross and hope they'll come to an agreement during the weekend.

The strike is on.

Pickets will start Monday.

Dear CUPE 3906 members and the McMaster Community,

As you know from our consistent blog updates and from the McMaster Daily News, the CUPE 3906 bargaining team received a “best offer” package from the employer at 4:14 am, Saturday morning. Inexplicably, the “best offer” is actually several backward steps removed from the offer that they presented less than 10 hours shy of the strike deadline. On monetary issues, the most significant retreat was resetting benefits funding to 2006 collective agreement levels. This was countered by a paltry 5 cent per hour increase to the wage rate. In short, they made no effort to address the core issues of workload, benefits and access to positions for fifth-year doctoral students.

Since the strike deadline has passed and with the employer walking away from the table without acknowledging any of the issues our members clearly have identified as priorities, the bargaining team has had no choice but to ask the mediator to inform the employer that TAs are ready to withdraw their labour until a fair settlement is reached. Job action will begin at 8:00 am on Monday, 2 November 2009 and at that time, CUPE 3906 Unit #1 will be on strike.

The bargaining team has prepared a position document which reflects the current status of its proposals. To be sure, this document represents, in substance and in detail, the framework for the ultimate collective agreement. We invite members to study the document and compare it to the skeletal script the employer advertises. In order to give all members the fullest sense of the situation we anticipate an information meeting will be held on Sunday, 1 November 2009. The time and the location of the meeting will be announced on our website, on our blog and via email as soon as the space is finalized.

Sincerely,

The elected CUPE 3906 Bargaining

This is gonna be fun.

Originally Posted by InYoutoGive

This is gonna be fun.

That's about the last word I'd just to describe our mood at the moment, but I'm certain the McMaster community can get through this and come out stronger.

Provided we get through and don't end up with a "York" label plastered upon us.
And we do not even have to have a situation as intense as York for this to happen.
With the disruption that strikes have created this past year, it's fair to make the assumption that they are not already popular and cause people to associate a poor quality of service with the word "strike".
It's a shame because McMaster maintains a presitigious international reputation and while this will not affect lectures, and while classes will still run - incoming students (depending on how high this escalates) will just think of the word "strike" and no further information may be relevant. (worst case scenario)
While this is great for controlling population sizes (shorter OSAP lines anybody?), it affects our reputation in ways we should care about. (the fact that there was a survey asking students why they applied to certain programs and about 3 questions dedicated to York and the strike and student perception of the university is a good indicator of this)