My name is Erin and this is my second year in Toronto. I moved here from BC but also sort of like back and forth between BC and Japan. So I came here to start PhD studies at the university. I don’t know if you’ve noticed my badge but at the time that I’m talking right now, at the university the TAs are on strike and we’ve been picketing for a week now. It’s not the most fun I ever had but yeah…
-What do you think will happen after the strike?
-Honestly, anything can happen but I don’t think this is going to be a short strike. I think it’s going to drag out.
-Are you positive about the stuff people are going to achieve after this strike?
-I am. I’m extremely proud to be out here picketing because this is, I mean the admin’s spin on it has been: “Why are they complaining? Their hourly wages are super high,” and that’s been one of the things we’re struggling with in public opinion. On paper it looks like a pretty great job but when you realize how services and funding are deteriorating every year someone’s gotta stop and put their foot down. So this is very proud picketing because I don’t want Canadian universities to be places only the rich can afford the privilege of working at. I’m not into that.
