The Ontario Ministry of Labour has issued a “no-board” notice for negotiations between the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) and the University of Toronto Faculty Association. The no-board from the province means that if there is no agreement on a new collective agreement between the parties, a legal lockout or strike affecting faculty and librarians at USMC may begin as early as February 6th.
Faculty at St. Michael’s have been in bargaining since June 2014 and in conciliation since October. On December 9th, the unionized faculty and librarians voted 100 per cent in favour of authorizing a strike, if necessary. The outstanding issues continue to be proper job security for faculty to safeguard academic freedom, and a fair and equitable monetary settlement. The parties will meet in mediation on February 5th.