For almost 40 years, CUPE 3906 has consistently improved the working conditions of its members, all of whom are academic workers at McMaster University.  The union has been dedicated to upholding high standards of education at McMaster University by ensuring its members are well-equipped to perform their duties, and compensated fairly for their hard work.

At the present time, CUPE 3906 represents around 3,500 workers at McMaster every 12 months, making it the largest union on campus, and one of the largest unions in Hamilton. We currently represent three units:

Unit 1: Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants in lieu (RAs in lieu)
Unit 2: Sessional Faculty, MELD Sessional Faculty, and Hourly Rated Sessional Music Faculty
Unit 3: Post-Doctoral Fellows
We trace our history to 1979, when graduate assistants at McMaster University first unionized.  They unionized with a union called the Graduate Assistants’ Association (GAA), which was created in 1973.  The new union at McMaster was the sixth to organize with the GAA, and became known as the Graduate Assistants’ Association (GAA) Local 6.

We are deeply committed to grassroots local democracy and hold monthly General Membership Meetings (GMMs), which we encourage all members to come out to. Not everyone is expected to participate in the discussions at GMMs, so it is perfectly acceptable to come and just listen in (and enjoy a free lunch/dinner)! A schedule of events can be found on the calendar located on the right side of this page.

Our representation of members across campus comes by way of member-driven committees, stewards in every department, a 13-person executive committee, and our local staff. Contacts for all these people and committees can be found on this site, and we encourage you to direct your questions to whomever you deem appropriate!

In solidarity,

Your CUPE 3906 Executive

Education

Higher Education

CUPE3906

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