You have the right to union representation.

PSAC Local 902 is recognized as the exclusive bargaining organization for GTAs at Wilfrid Laurier University. This means your wages, working conditions, and protections are negotiated collectively, and the University cannot make agreements with you that conflict with the Collective Agreement.

You have the right to negotiated wages and accurate pay.

Your hourly wage, vacation pay, fellowship amounts, and total contract value are set out in the Collective Agreement. You are entitled to be paid on time, receive retroactive pay where applicable, and be protected from wage clawbacks tied to funding or scholarships.

You have the right to reasonable and limited workloads.

A full GTAship is capped at 130 hours per term, and a half GTAship at 65 hours per term. All assigned duties must be documented in writing through a Graduate Teaching Assistant Job Responsibilities Form (GTAJRF), and your work should be reasonably achievable within the assigned hours.

You cannot be required to work unpaid hours.

Any work beyond your assigned hours must be approved in advance and paid through a contract extension. Hours cannot be carried over between terms, and you cannot be required to exceed weekly limits without your consent.

You have the right to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Wilfrid Laurier University and PSAC Local 902 are jointly committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive working environment. You are protected under the Collective Agreement, University policies, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and occupational health and safety legislation.

You have the right to a safe workplace and required training.

You must receive appropriate health and safety training for your role, including hazard‑specific training where applicable. Required training time is compensated, and personal protective equipment must be provided when necessary.

You have the right to accommodation up to undue hardship.

If you require workplace accommodation due to disability, medical needs, or other protected grounds, the University must work collaboratively with you and the Union to provide reasonable accommodation in accordance with the law.

You have access to protected leaves of absence.

GTAs are entitled to various leaves, including sick leave, bereavement leave, pregnancy and parental leave, and other approved absences, as outlined in the Collective Agreement.

You have the right to fair evaluation and due process.

Evaluations are intended to provide feedback and clarify expectations, not punish. You cannot be disciplined or discharged without just cause, and you have the right to union representation at any disciplinary or investigatory meeting.

You have the right to challenge violations of the Collective Agreement.

If your rights are violated, PSAC Local 902 can file a grievance on your behalf. The Collective Agreement sets out a clear process for informal resolution, formal grievances, and binding arbitration.

You have the right to be involved in your union.

You may attend union meetings, participate in committees, run for elected positions, and engage in union activities without fear of retaliation, as long as it does not interfere with your scheduled work duties.

You may be eligible for additional financial support.

Wilfrid Laurier University contributes annually to a GTA Fund administered by PSAC Local 902 to help address financial hardship, healthcare needs, childcare costs, and other challenges faced by GTAs.