Since 2008 I’ve been a member of USW Local 1998, Unionized Administrative and Technical Staff at the University of Toronto. Joining the union changed my life. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1999, I took a series of temporary and contract non-union jobs. I took them not by choice but by necessity. Many were interesting jobs; however, the hours were long, stress was high, and I had no health or retirement benefits, never mind job security. In 2006 on the eve of the global economic recession, I was laid off from my job in the television industry and spent almost a year looking for work. Finally, I was able to secure a temporary position at the University of Toronto then a year later, a term position, and a year after that a continuing administrative one. Working at the University of Toronto in a unionized position has meant economic independence. Knowing that I have health benefits gives me a sense of security that I cherish. Being unionized has brought up the standard of living for all of us working in administrative and technical positions, from administrative assistants and information technology professionals to laboratory workers, recruiters and student counsellors, and has meant that the jobs we do are well respected within our city and community. It’s nice to know I can cover my housing costs and the necessities of life in one of Canada’s most expensive cities, and put a little aside for travel and enjoying life. Union membership has historically meant economic independence for women. It certainly has meant that for me.
--Mary-Marta Briones-Bird, Administrative Coordinator, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto
--Mary-Marta Briones-Bird, Administrative Coordinator, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto