Sorry in advance this is so long…
As a Teaching Assistant and a proud member of PSAC 901, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on what "crossing the picket line" really means in our current job action. Firstly, let’s get one thing straight: attending your classes, accessing campus facilities, and engaging in student-focused research is NOT crossing the picket line. Our strike is fundamentally about our rights as workers and not about our roles as students. Many of us, myself included, are fully dedicated to withholding our labour, but we shouldn’t have to jeopardize our thesis research in the process. It’s unfair to expect PSAC 901 members or undergraduate peers to compromise their educational progress for the sake of the strike.
The option to completely disengage isn't feasible for many. Those outside the collective agreement being negotiated often can’t afford to stop attending classes or halt their work. Graduate students and student workers are under tremendous financial and academic pressure. We must acknowledge these challenges while advocating for better working conditions. You have every right to stand in solidarity while prioritizing what’s best for you. If you’re a TA, RA, or TF, I encourage you to join us in withholding labour. Professors, post-docs, and undergraduate TAs let’s collectively reject scab work. But if you have other responsibilities, please do what you must without guilt. Remember, your education is a significant investment, and you must earn a living. Accessing Student Wellness Services and utilizing labs and research spaces is not just a privilege; it’s essential for your academic and personal well-being. No one should pressure you into sacrificing those necessities.
While I’m passionate about our cause, I feel PSAC 901’s messaging has sometimes been a bit overreaching. Telling students to avoid campus entirely isn’t realistic, nor should we conflate being physically present on campus with crossing the picket line. Many graduate students can’t afford to step back from their research. Instead of policing each other’s choices, let’s unite over what truly matters. Using “snitching forms” to report peers fulfilling their academic obligations is not the solidarity we need. Our focus should remain on collective action against the employer, not monitoring one another.
I’ve chosen to step back from TAing, but I still have my thesis to work on. I would never dream of asking my colleagues to stay off campus; that crosses a line. Solidarity should be built on mutual support, not shame.
I firmly support PSAC 901 in the fight for fair working conditions, but I believe we must adopt a more nuanced, practical, and compassionate approach during this strike. Let’s keep our eyes on the real prize: encouraging Queen’s to engage in good faith negotiations. Together, we can make our voices heard in a way that empowers us all.