A union spokesperson says he is "encouraged" as talks continue between York University and the striking union that has stopped classes for nearly 50,000 students since Nov. 6.
The two sides are meeting behind closed doors for the third straight day, a sign that both sides have made some progress, says CUPE 3903 spokesperson Tyler Shipley.
"It's nice to see the both sides sitting down and actually negotiating," he says. "Our goal here is to get a deal. There's no talk of suspending anything."
The last attempt at negotiations was about a month ago, but a mediator called it off after saying the two sides were still too far apart.
CUPE 3903 members have rejected an offer of a 9.25 per cent wage increase over three years and are instead seeking 11 per cent over two years, along with better job security. The striking union represents mostly teaching assistants and contract faculty.
To make up for the lost time -- when a deal is finally reached -- Reading Week will be cancelled, and both terms and exam periods will be shortened.
Some students are worried their degrees won't mean as much because they haven't had enough time in the classroom, but York says it is working to ensure students get a meaningful degree and proper evaluation.
