Who We Are: Local 2010 at Queen’s University
USW Local 2010 is the Union representing over 1,600 members — Academic Assistants, Residence Dons and Support Staff — at Queen’s University. Our members are integral to the smooth functioning of the university, working in various administrative, technical, academic, supportive, and clerical roles across the institution. From assisting faculty and students, to maintaining essential university services, our members are the backbone of crucial daily operations at Queen’s.
Since forming in December 2010, our Support Staff Local has continually advocated for fair wages, better working conditions, and strong employee benefits. Academic Assistants joined as the 2010-01 unit in April 2011 followed by the Residence Dons as unit 2010-02 in March 2023. We believe in building solidarity among our members, ensuring that every voice is heard and that each of us has access to the support we need to thrive in our roles.
Our Mission is to create a strong, united workforce that promotes fairness, respect, and equity at Queen’s University. As members of USW, we strive to improve the workplace through collective action and negotiations, working to secure agreements that benefit everyone.
Our Accomplishments
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Conversion of Term Appointments to Continuing Appointments: Innovative language securing strong rights for Support Staff, who had previously been working under 15-18 years of continuous 1-year Term Appointments (a state which limited workplace protections and entitlements), to automatically convert to a Continuing Appointment with full contractual entitlements, was bargained in the first inaugural Collective Agreement.
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Job Evaluation Project: Completed November 5, 2021, this project ensured that our Support Staff members are compensated fairly for their work based on their actual duties and responsibilities.
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Job Re-Evaluation Process: Launched in May 2023, Support Staff can submit a claim (USW Re-Evaluation Request Form) to their Manager/designate outlining all significant changes that may have occurred to their position. This process allows members who have taken on new duties to receive the increased compensation they are owed for the increased complexity of work they perform. This process, governed by Appendix H in the Collective Agreement, is typically processed within thirty (30) calendar days and can not be stopped by a Manager for budgetary reasons.
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Amended Pay Equity Plan: Finalized in November 5, 2021, this plan addresses and corrects gender-based pay discrepancies across the university.
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Deferred Salary Grid: During bargaining in 2018-2019 the Bargaining Team was successful in compressing the Salary Grid. Our Deferred Salary Grid was further adjusted for to reflect improved market salaries during the 2024-2025 round of bargaining.
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Remote Work Arrangements (RWA): Groundbreaking language securing the ability of Support Staff to request a RWA that ensures proper working terms and conditions and fairness.
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Paid Sick Time: Secured paid sick time for Academic Assistants in 2020-2021 round of bargaining. These members traditionally did not have any paid sick time dating back over thirty (30) years. In 2025, the Bargaining Team negotiated additional paid sick time.
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Stipend for Mandatory Training: During the first round of bargaining for Residence Dons, the Bargaining Team negotiated language that secured a stipend for all Residence Dons for their mandatory attendance at training that is completed annually in August. Previously, Dons were required to attend this training without any compensation whatsoever, often giving up 1-2 weeks of summer employment to work for the Employer.
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Ongoing Bargaining: We are committed to securing strong collective agreements that protect your rights and improve your working conditions, with ongoing bargaining efforts for Support Staff, Academic Assistants and Residence Dons.
At Local 2010, we believe in continuous improvement and remain dedicated to addressing the needs of our members. Whether you’re dealing with workplace challenges, seeking professional development, or want to get involved in union activities, we are here to support you.
USW: A Global Union with a Local Impact
While USW Local 2010 represents employees at Queen’s University, we are part of a much larger movement. The United Steelworkers (USW) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse unions, representing workers in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, health care, education, and more. With over 800,000 members across the U.S. and Canada, USW fights for workers’ rights on a local, national, and international level.
USW’s core values of solidarity, equality, and fairness are at the heart of everything we do. Our union’s rich history of advocating for workers’ rights – both inside and outside the workplace – continues to guide our efforts to create a better future for all workers.
At USW Local 2010, we’re proud to be part of this larger movement, while focusing on the unique needs and challenges of our members at Queen’s University. Together, we are stronger.
International Organization and Office
District 6 Office (Ontario and Atlantic Canada)