Unit 2 Bargaining Update #5 - McGill opens door to fairness in shift allocation, invigilators push for solutions to no-shows

On Monday, 13th April 2026, we held our fifth bargaining session with McGill as part of our efforts to win a better contract for invigilators. Our committee consists of Sneha Senthil (Invigilator, Enrolment Services), Maureen Nayebare (Invigilator, Enrolment Services), Andrews Baada (Invigilator, SAA), Dallas Jokic (AGSEM President), and Guillaume Forest-Allard (our FNEEQ bargaining advisor). 

We began by discussing points from our previous bargaining session. The following matters were discussed:

Fairer Shift Allocation

McGill signaled openness to improving how shifts are assigned. They accepted our updated language defining priority (to make the current language clearer). They also proposed that shifts be distributed as “fairly and impartially” as possible, while considering factors such as employee availability and hours worked in the previous exam period. While this is a promising start, we think it is insufficient. Our proposal called on the employer to offer workers within a given category an “approximately equal” number of shifts and to offer shifts to those (in a given category) who have worked less that semester. McGill’s proposal relies on the more vague idea of “fair and impartial” shift allocation and bases priority within a category on who worked less the previous semester. This puts many invigilators at a disadvantage since the list of invigilators including the number of hours worked is not updated during the semester in McGill’s proposal. We will be making a counter-proposal on this item during our next bargaining session. 

Minimum Requirements and Applications

The employer proposed changing “normal requirements” to minimum requirements for hiring criteria, such as language competencies and high school education. This would remove an ambiguity which exists in the current collective agreement. They also accepted the union’s proposal to allow workers to apply for jobs using their preferred name.

Guaranteed Shifts

The union proposed guaranteeing invigilators a minimum number of shifts. McGill rejected a formal guarantee, citing concerns about operational constraints and potential grievances, but the union continues to push for stronger protections and more predictable access to work. In our view, guaranteed minimum shifts are a way to improve the stability and predictability of work for invigilators.

Invigilator Training 

We raised the need for better training and clearer resources for invigilators. While McGill has rejected our proposal on hybrid training, and no final proposal has been tabled yet, both parties discussed developing job aids and improving communication around training materials.

Tackling No-Shows

A major discussion focused on “no-shows”, that is, invigilators who are scheduled to work but don’t show up on the day. Both sides recognized that last-minute absences create serious strain for workers and staffing levels. We argued that stronger staffing standards, better pay, and better working conditions are part of the solution, while requesting more employer data so that meaningful solutions can be negotiated. The two parties agreed to language clarifying that invigilators must, when possible, give 24 hours notice if they will miss a shift. 

Bathroom Escorting

We raised concerns about requiring invigilators to accompany students inside the washrooms. Members have described this practice as uncomfortable and ineffective. McGill defended keeping this option available, citing academic integrity concerns, but we pointed out that many other measures (such as checking if students’ pockets are empty), already exist to protect academic integrity. 

Snacks and Coffee for invigilators

Requiring the employer to provide snacks and coffee/tea to invigilators has been one of our priorities. McGill rejected the proposal outright, arguing that past attempts created challenges related to preferences and allergies. Given how isolated work locations can be, we believe that this change would improve working conditions for invigilators and reduce the stress of trying to buy food and coffee during short breaks! 

This was our president, Dallas Jokic’s last bargaining session. We would like to take a moment to thank him for all the great work he has done. Our next bargaining session will take place on May 4, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

As exams are in full swing, the union will be tabling at the Fieldhouse. Stop by to say hi, grab some snacks and coffee, and chat with us!

We would love to have you join us at our next session! Please fill out this form to sign up, and we’ll be in touch! The more invigilators are involved in the process, the more power and knowledge we have:)

If you have any questions, please contact our Bargaining Committee chair, Sneha at invigilator.bc1@agsem-aeedem.ca

Love and solidarity, 

Your Bargaining and Bargaining Support Committee