After six weeks on the picket lines last spring, PSAC 901 returns to campus this fall with a focus on rebuilding ties with the Queen’s community.
The Public Service Alliance and Canada Local 901 (PSAC 901), Unit 1, representing approximately 2,000 Graduate Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, and Graduate Research Assistants, walked off the job on March 10, demanding wage increases and improved benefits.
The strike rallied support from students and professors at the school before the University and PSAC 901 reached a three-year-long agreement on April 16, which officially concluded the six-week strike.
The deal, according to the collective agreement, included wage increases of 3 per cent in 2025 and 2.25 per cent plus market adjustment in 2026, totalling 12.86 per cent over two years. The agreement also provides childcare support, protections against caste discrimination, and recognition of research assistants’ intellectual property rights.
READ MORE: University and grad student workers reach tentative agreement
As the new academic year begins, Ikeoluwapo Baruwa, president of PSAC 901, says the union is turning its focus toward relationship-building across campus.
“The strike had a significant impact on the Queen’s community,” Baruwa said in a written statement to The Journal. “It drew attention to the challenges graduate student workers face every day. While it was difficult, it also opened space for meaningful conversations about fairness, precarity, and respect in the workplace.”
The strike saw disruptions to academic life, including picket lines at Stauffer Library and interruptions during the exam period. Baruwa acknowledged that “every strike has its tensions,” but also reflected the democratic will of their members.
“Picket lines were conducted with care, and our campaigns were grounded in education and awareness. That said, every strike has its tensions, and we recognize the need to keep reflecting on how our actions are perceived and to make space for dialogue if harm was felt,” he said.
While Baruwa is aware of the strain the strike caused for some, his focus is on rebuilding through collaboration.
“We’re all human and fallible, but I believe strongly in the strength of our diverse executive team. They’re not only activists but also people working in relationality and conviviality to move us forward in the right frame of mind.
In addition to the gains secured through the new collective agreement, Baruwa highlighted several successes, including the coordination of physical and virtual picket lines, community support, food by the Katarokwi Mutual Aid Care Commons (KMACC), increased visibility of the union, and the efforts of a committed bargaining team and active social media campaigns.
Still, he acknowledged areas for growth, including a need for more consistent and clear communication.
“Strikes are never easy, and some felt the impacts more than others. We’ve learned from that and are committed to being more transparent and accessible going forward.”
Baruwa emphasized the importance of reconciliation with the Queen’s administration through open communication.
“Successful reconciliation would mean being able to sit down with the administration and move forward in good faith,” he said.
To reconnect with members, PSAC 901 is hosting a barbecue on Oct. 3 and an apple-picking trip on Oct. 12, with weekly office hours and ongoing Stewards’ Council meetings.
Corrections
A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the mutual aid organization KMACC as the Kingston Mutual Aid Community Collective. It was, in fact, Katarokwi Mutual Aid Care Commons, an organization distinct from Kingston Mutual Aid.
Incorrect information appeared in the Sept. 30 issue of The Queen’s Journal.
The Journal regrets the error
Tags
PSAC 901, PSAC 901 Strike 2025
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