YUSA (York University Staff Association – Association du Personnel de L’Universite York) was founded in 1970. First established as an association, it was certified as a union five years later on December 10, 1975, and today represents thousands of workers at York University in Toronto, Ontario.
We achieved our first contract in 1976, and throughout our history, have proudly represented the interests of workers on campus. YUSA believes that all working people, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, nationality or religion, deserve greater security, respect and fairness on the job.
Since its beginnings, YUSA has been an active member of the Confederation of Canadian Unions, which strives to bring working people and independent unions together to establish more equitable and democratic workplaces throughout the country.
First YUSA Agreement – From September 1976
YUSA Documentary – “A Union Where Everyone Matters”
The York University Staff Association (YUSA) celebrated its 505th anniversary in 2025, and its 50th anniversary as a certified union. The documentary film, “YUSA: A Union Where Everyone Matters,” looks at the history, struggles and achievements of the predominately female union, its past and present leaders, and current social and political issues relevant to its membership.
Operation Finger Pinky – The Founding of YUSA
Produced in 1978, this film is a fictionalized account of the three-year struggle waged by the office staff at York University in their attempt to form the York University Staff Association. It is based upon a play written and enacted by the Theatre Passe Muraille, and caricatures real situations between York University management and employers.
