Over 2,000 graduate student workers represented by PSAC Local 901 – Unit 1, have secured a new contract with Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. The agreement was reached on April 16, 2025, and ratification votes were held on April 17, 2025.
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.
Some of the highlights include:
- Pay increases of 3% in 2025; 2.25% + market adjustment (12.86%) for 2026; and 2.25% in 2027.
- $110,000 for the Local to aid workers with childcare costs
- Recognition of Research Assistants intellectual property rights
- Improvements to sick leave
- Protections against caste-based discrimination
- Protections against funding claw-backs
Graduate student workers have voted to accept the new contract, which offers significant achievements and no concessions. The new 3-year agreement will expire on April 30, 2027.