The union representing NBA players has donated $10,000 to striking Simon Fraser University teaching assistant staff ahead of a practice at the Burnaby campus and a game in Vancouver this weekend.

Garrett Temple, a Raptor and vice-president of the National Basketball Players Association, announced the donation Friday (Oct. 6). He said members of the National Basketball Players Association stands in solidarity with the 1,600 members of SFU害羞草研究所檚 Teaching Support Staff Union.

害羞草研究所淲e are hopeful they are soon able to return to the jobs they love, with a deal that respects their important contribution to student and university life.害羞草研究所�

TSSU害羞草研究所檚 1,600 members with current teaching positions have been on strike since May with picket lines being launched last week.

The Raptors are set to hold an open practice at SFU害羞草研究所檚 Burnaby campus Friday evening and play their first pre-season game on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings at Rogers Arena. They害羞草研究所檝e been in Vancouver since Tuesday for training camp.

Temple joined the picketers outside SFU害羞草研究所檚 Harbour Centre campus in Downtown Vancouver Friday.

害羞草研究所淚 understand the pain. I understand how much y害羞草研究所檃ll do for the university,害羞草研究所� said Temple, noting he went to Lousiana State University. He spent five years at LSU, and graduated from the business management program.

害羞草研究所淭he teaching assistants did basically everything for us 害羞草研究所� I害羞草研究所檓 not one of the guys that was there for six months or a year. I understand how much TAs do at the university.害羞草研究所�

Union member Liam Kennedy-Slaney said TSSU reached out to the team ahead of the open practice due to possible picket lines.

Union members say they are striking to fight for a contract that includes a cost-of-living pay adjustment, an end to 害羞草研究所渨age theft,害羞草研究所� and a secure future for long-term instructors.

Black Press Media has reached out to SFU for comment.

害羞草研究所� With files from The Canadian Press