Ratified: Graduate workers at Queen’s approve deal after nearly six weeks on strike

Raises, better sick leave, child-care costs included in the deal

More than 2,000 graduate student workers at Queen’s University have ratified a new contract after nearly six weeks on strike.

The workers are part of PSAC Local 901 Unit 1. A media release from the union on April 22 said they made “significant achievements.”

PSAC vice-president Craig Reynolds said the deal improves working conditions and sets new standards for academic workplaces across Ontario.

Pay increases are a key part of the contract. Workers will get a 3 per cent raise in 2025, followed by a 2.25 per cent raise plus a 12.86 per cent market adjustment in 2026. Another 2.25 per cent raise will come in 2027.

The deal also includes $110,000 to help with child-care costs, better sick leave, and recognition of research assistants’ intellectual property rights.

Queen’s University said it values its employees and respects the collective bargaining process.

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