Your Collective Agreement (CA) protects your rights at Queen’s. Here are some common scenarios and how the CA applies to you.
1. As a Residence Don I know I’m unionized. Is it possible we could go on strike?
While your Collective Agreement is in force, it is not possible to legally go on strike (Article 6.01). Your Collective Agreement is in force until July 31, 2026 (Article 31.01).
2. I’ve been called into a meeting with my manager. I think I’m in trouble and could get punished or fired. What rights do I have?
You have the right under Article 11.04 to have a union representative accompany you and support you during any investigatory or disciplinary meeting. Once you pass your probationary period of 18 weeks or the end of Fall term (Article 18.03), you cannot punished without just cause (Article 11.01).
3. My manager has started treating me unfairly after I was involved with a union event/activity or because I invoked one of my Collective Agreement rights. What do I do?
You cannot be discriminated against for taking part in union activities (Article 16.01). Being a union member is a protected class, similar to race, religion, or gender identity. A manager acting in an arbitrary, discriminatory, or bad faith manner, is a violation of the Collective Agreement and your rights (Article 5.02).
4. The students I’m working with have have bullied, intimidated, or discriminated against me in-person or electronically. Is there anything I can do?
As an employee, you have the right to a workplace free from all types of harassment and discrimination (Article 16.02). Reach out to contat@usw2010.ca for assistance.
5. I’ve just completed by first year as a Residence Don and loved it and would like to do it again.
Under Article 18.06, Residence Dons who were previously hired and remain full-time Queen’s students can apply to be a Don in subsequent years. Prior Dons must be hired to fill available positions first.
6. I feel overwhelmed by my workload. What can I do?
You have the right to a fair and manageable workload (Article 19.03) and raise workload concerns. Managers must respond to your concerns in writing within 15 business days, and you can have a union representative at workload review meetings (Article 19.01–19.05).
7. How am I paid as a Residence Don?
As a Residence Don, your compensation consists of the following:
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A room in residence with access a refrigerator and the internet as well as a university meal plan (Article 30.01)
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A paid stipend (Article 30.02):
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Living and Learning Community Don: $500 per academic term
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Residence Life Assistant: $750 per academic term
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Stayover Don: $190 per on call shift
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Hourly pay at minimum wage for every hour worked above 30 in a week (Article 30.04)
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Pre-Academic Year Employee Training: $300 (Article 30.05)
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Hourly pay at minimum wage for all hours (up to 7 per day) for the Unit Chair, Recording Secretary, Grevior, Representatives, Committee members, or members of the Joint-Health and Safety Committee for required meetings with management (LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING: ATTENDANCE AT REQUIRED EMPLOYER MEETINGS)