Several of our employee groups will commence negotiations this year: CUPE 1393, CUPE 4580, WUFA, UNIFOR 444, and UNIFOR 2458.
Our focus right now is on reaching an agreement. We will continue to meet with the unions toward that goal. If a labour disruption does happen, the University is ready to deal with the situation and will be respectful of the employees’ legal right to strike. A plan will be put in place with the goal of reducing the effect of the disruption on students, staff, faculty and other members of the University community.
In the event of a work stoppage, the University will remain open and continue to provide services to faculty, students, staff and the community. Decisions regarding any changes to classes, exams, or campus operations will be communicated promptly on this webpage.
Yes, a strike vote by secret ballot is required before a union can lawfully commence a strike of employees in the bargaining unit. A union holding a strike vote is a common occurrence in collective bargaining and does not mean that a strike will occur.
After the parties have met with a conciliator, if they have not been able to settle all outstanding matters, the conciliator will report this to the Minister of Labour. Typically, the Minister then issues a No Board report. The union is in a position to commence a legal strike at 12:01 am on the 17th calendar day after the date on the No Board report.
Yes. Any time (before or after the commencement of a strike or lock-out), the University may ask the Minister of Labour to direct a vote of the employees in the affected bargaining unit as to their acceptance or rejection of the University’s final offer on all matters remaining in dispute. Upon the receipt of such a request, the Minister must direct that a vote, to accept or reject the University’s offer, be conducted. The vote is supervised and conducted by Ministry of Labour officials and the result of the vote is public. This process can only be used once.
Any labour disruption would only involve striking union members , so all other University employees would be expected to report to work as usual, and the University would continue to provide services to students, faculty and staff.
Yes. An employee of a striking bargaining unit does have the right to come to work.
Any public planned events will be reviewed individually, and information will be given as needed. Event cancellation notices will be sent in advance, as necessary.
Information and updates will be posted on this website on a regular basis.