CUPE 2626 represents thousands of Teaching and Research Assistants, Markers, Tutors, Lab Monitors, Demonstrators, Proctors, Lifeguards and Residence Life Workers at the University of Ottawa. CUPE 2626 is a local section of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (or “CUPE National”), the largest union in Canada, with over 680,000 members across the country. CUPE 2626 was formed in 1997 following a unionization drive organized by TAs and RAs in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering to fight against the arbitrary nature of contract allocation and pay rates in different departments. However, due to contentious bargaining items, the first Collective Agreement was ratified only in 2000. Since its formation, the union has been working for more than 20 years to ensure that all student workers receive equitable treatment, working conditions, salaries, and contract allocation across campus.

As of February 26, 2008, all employees of the University of Ottawa in the City of Ottawa employed as lifeguards, head guards and swim instructors, save and except supervisors and persons above the rank of supervisors, are members of CUPE and are part of the bargaining unit. These members form unit 1 of Local 2626, identified as 2626-1. Since then, three Collective Agreements have been negotiated. The current Collective Agreement will end in 2023.

On January 2, 2019, the Residence Life workers subunit (2626-3) is created, consisting of all Community Advisors, Team Leads, Mentors, Mentor Team Leads and Peer Supports employed in the Housing Services at the University of Ottawa in the City of Ottawa, save and except coordinators and persons above the rank of coordinators.

The Residence Life workers subunit (2626-3) current collective agreement will end in August 31, 2023.