Striking York University workers reach tentative deal: union

The union representing striking academic workers at York University said Monday it has reached a tentative deal with the school.

A representative of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 3903 said the tentative agreement was struck Sunday night.

"For the first time in seven weeks, there is a potential deal in sight for workers on the picket lines at York University," the spokesperson said in an email.

"Workers will now make a decision to accept or reject the offer through a ratification vote by the end of the week. More details on that will be to come."

Some 3,000 contract instructors, teaching assistants and graduate assistants walked off the job on Feb. 26 after contract negotiations with the university broke down.

The union said the primary issues were about affordability, job security and workplace equity.

Members of CUPE 3904 taught more than 50 per cent of classes at the university, which has a student body of about 55,000.

York students told CBC Toronto last week they were eager for a conclusion to the standoff as exams for classes not impacted by the strike got underway.