Recognition & Respect?

UNIT 2 PORTAL with ranksAt the University of Manitoba, a notable percentage of courses are taught by Sessional Academic Workers (Unit 2) with a smaller number taught by Student Academic Workers (Unit 1).  CUPE 3909 believes that these teachers make important contributions to the student experience and to education but working conditions do not usually reflect those efforts.

The CUPE 3903 campaign “A Better York is Possible” recently posted a video that outlines the contributions of Contract Faculty despite the difficulties of this precarious employment model.

In the US, these educators are often called Adjuncts and there is a growing recognition of the worsening working conditions of these workers.  An article in the New Yorker addresses the fact that most students are not aware that some of their instructors are precariously employed.