Contract academic workers at the University of Toronto have given their union a 91 per cent mandate in favour of strike action – as they work toward a new contract.

The workers include non-student sessional lecturers, writing instructors – and music professionals.

CUPE says the key issue is how post-secondary institutions rely on “precarious labour,” with sessional lecturers at the university delivering more than 20 per cent of all undergraduate teaching – but earning less – with little to no job security.

Union official Jess Taylor says after four months of bargaining – some gains have been made in terms of wage increases – but contract workers need a road to permanent employment.

The University of Toronto says it’s committed to reaching a new collective agreement for the approximately 1,200 sessional instructors – and both sides are scheduled to resume bargaining on Friday.