KINGSTON, ON, Nov. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - On November 20, 2008, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) filed a certification application with the Ontario Labour Relations Board to request a union recognition vote among all graduate teaching assistants and teaching fellows at Queen's University.

PSAC is one of Canada's largest unions, representing 160,000 workers across Canada, including graduate teaching assistants at the University of Western Ontario in addition to graduate TAs and RAs at many other universities across Canada.

The Ontario Labour Relations Board will now determine whether PSAC obtained the requisite 40 per cent support among graduate TAs and TFs to order a vote, which will likely be held on November 27 at Queen's University.

Graduate TAs and TFs at Queen's are seeking to form a union for better pay security against potential budget cuts, increased transparency in the allotment of TAships, a grievance procedure to resolve any workplace disputes, joint and improved departmental training opportunities, supplementary health benefits, pay for all hours worked and the right to negotiate a collective agreement

"Graduate student activists' knowledge of the workplace combined with PSAC's organizing expertise will create a powerful force within the university community," says Gerry Halabecki, PSAC's Regional Executive Vice-President - Ontario. "Together, graduate student activists and PSAC representatives can pave the way for a vibrant local union and strong voice at Queen's University."

The vote will be conducted by secret ballot and a majority of those who vote shall determine the outcome.