The Laurentian University Faculty Association is now on strike.
In talks with the university throughout the week and weekend, the faculty association, representing educators, librarians, and academic professionals, had set a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m., but LUFA president Fabrice Colin told Sudbury.com at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 that the mediator declared an impasse between the two.
“The parties were just too far away,” said Colin.
The University announced at 4 p.m. Jan. 18 that in the event of a strike, the campus will remain open, but all Laurentian University classes will be suspended temporarily.
You can find information about classes and strike updates from Laurentian University here.
"This is not the outcome we had hoped for, and we understand that these events will provoke a range of emotions," read the statement released by the institution. "To our students, staff and faculty, please know that Laurentian University is fully committed to supporting you through this disruption."
Colin told Sudbury.com that in light of “all the sacrifices” made by union members during the CCAA process, they deserve “better.”
“Laurentian is now financially stable, that would be the time for the board of governors to step up and do its part,” he said. “Unfortunately, it seems that both the board of governors and the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security are both letting down the Sudbury community again.”
Laurentian University has provided a link to frequently asked questions and in their message have encouraged “all Laurentian University community members to read through it carefully.”
Also preparing is the City of Greater Sudbury’s transit system, GOVA, which is adding a detour to their two university routes due to the strike.
“GOVA Transit Routes 3 (LU Regent) and 4 (LU via Paris) will remain off Laurentian property and detour using the South Bay Road turnaround,” reads a post on the GOVA Facebook page. “Students will be picked up and dropped off at temporary bus stops located at University Road at Ramsey Lake Road, or at the St. Joseph Villa stops on South Bay Road.”
For updates, university travellers are advised to visit the GOVA transit website, found here or call 311.