A rally is being held today in support of thousands of teaching assistants, graduate assistants and research assistants who are currently on strike at York University and the University of Toronto.

At the rally, which is taking place at Queen’s Park, striking staff are calling on the province and university administrators to “play fair” at the bargaining table.

In a written statement released on Wednesday, CUPE officials said daycare subsidies and poor conditions for parental leaves are part of the reason union members are striking. For University of Toronto teaching assistants, the statement said many are “frustrated by the lack of a funding package that would bring them over the poverty line.”

“Most striking parents, caregivers, and their allies who plan to rally today, agree that the problem is much broader,” the statement said.

While most classes are operating as usual at U of T, many classes are still suspended at York due to the strike.

In a statement released last night, the university said that some classes would resume at York Wednesday for five academic units, including the Lassonde School of Engineering, the Schulich School of Business, the School of Nursing, the School of Administrative Studies and the School of Human Resources Management.

The decision to restart some academic activity was made shortly after contract staff voted to accept the university’s latest offer on Monday night.

Two CUPE Local 3903 bargaining units that represent teaching assistants, graduate assistants and research assistants at the school remain on strike.

Many staff members at York disagree with the university’s decision to send some students back to class. In an open message to senate executives Tuesday night, 197 faculty members at York expressed “extreme concern” about classes resuming while some unionized staff remain on the picket lines. The statement pointed to the “chaos that ensued” during a similar situation in 2000-01.

Although some classes have resumed, York University has a policy in place that ensures students aren’t penalized academically if they choose not to cross the picket line to attend class.

UofT students petition for refund

Meanwhile, hundreds of students at the University of Toronto are petitioning the university for a tuition refund, according to a statement released by the University of Toronto Students’ Union Wednesday.

“These students are frustrated that the University of Toronto has yet to even meet with CUPE 3902 since the strike began to negotiate a fair deal and a quick end to the labour action,” the statement said.

“Full-time undergraduate students at the University of Toronto pay over $6,000 in tuition fees. Part-time course instructors who are currently on strike teach many of these students. Undergraduate students' education is also supported by tutorials and labs taught by workers who are currently on strike.”