The union representing professors and librarians at Laurentian University has received a strike mandate from its members.
In a media release issued by the the Laurentian University Faculty Association, the union said 91% of members who cast a ballot voted in favour of job action in the event a new collective agreement cannot be reached with the university’s board of governors.
Union members have been without a contract since it expired back on June 30.
“We are most grateful for this strong show of support from our members,” said Jim Ketchen, union president.
“We don’t want to strike, but will if the administration isn’t willing to negotiate a fair collective agreement. We hope that this vote will convince the administration to become serious about reaching a deal.”
The move means the union will be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 am on September 28. The union said a potential a strike date will be announced in the near future.
“For over 35 years, LUFA and the university administration have, through our collective agreements, worked together to offer positive and enriching education to our students,” said Ketchen.
“LUFA wants to protect Laurentian’s learning environment from proposed rollbacks.”
The union represents about 400 full time teachers and professors and some 200 sessional instructors at the Sudbury-based university.
