Unit 2 Bargaining Update #6 - No-Shows, Increased Workloads, and the Need for Better Working Conditions

On Monday, 4th May 2026, we held our sixth 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).

A key focus this session was addressing the growing issue of invigilator no-shows, which have placed increasing strain on working conditions. The union presented detailed, practical mechanisms to better manage and reduce no-shows. This issue has been particularly acute in Enrolment Services where gaps in staffing have left circulators burdened with taking students each to bathrooms and invigilators covering significantly more rows than assigned. This raises concerns about workload and overall academic integrity. Based on data from McGill, no-shows have reached approximately 10% this semester. 

While McGill has taken limited action to address no-shows beyond imposing stricter rules on invigilators, the union emphasized that this issue must be addressed in a fair and meaningful way. In practice, it is other invigilators who absorb the additional workload when colleagues do not show up, while the employer benefits from reduced staffing costs. The union therefore proposed structured solutions to improve accountability and ensure adequate staffing levels across all exam sessions.

One proposal was to implement Sling scheduling in Enrolment Services (already used in departments such as SAA) to better manage cancellations, particularly those occurring the day before or last minute. The union also proposed establishing minimum staffing ratios in examination spaces: one invigilator per 30 students and one circulator/float per 75 students, with absolute minimum thresholds of 1:45 for invigilators and 1:200 for circulators. For perspective, the current staffing ratio in Enrolment Services has on average been approximately 1:60 for invigilators and 1:400 for circulators. The employer expressed significant resistance to these proposals, maintaining that schedules distributed in advance are expected to be adhered to. We are expecting a clear response from the employer regarding this at the next bargaining session.

With regard to working conditions, the union reiterated the need for the employer to provide basic support such as snacks and coffee/tea; however, McGill did not budge on this issue. We also highlighted that many invigilators working full-day shifts are unable to bring proper meals due to the lack of access to a fridge on site, underscoring the need for at least minimal facilities such as a fridge and microwave. 

Our bargaining mandate also included a proposal for McGill to offer hybrid training. The employer rejected this, citing a lack of resources. In response, the union proposed more accessible alternatives, such as providing readily available job aids or technical support to assist invigilators on the job.

While the ball is now in McGill’s court to respond to these proposals, it is important for us to hear your thoughts! Your feedback will help inform our approach in upcoming sessions and strengthen our position at the table.

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