Tentative agreement reached in U of M strike; classes could resume Tuesday
The University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) announced on Monday morning that it has reached a tentative agreement with university’s administration, which could put an end to the 35-day strike.
UMFA made the announcement in a news release, saying the tentative agreement is still subject to a secret ballot ratification vote during the union’s special general meeting, which is set to take place on Monday evening.
Should UMFA members vote to ratify, University of Manitoba (U of M) students will be back in class on Tuesday morning.
UMFA’s executive council has unanimously recommended ratification of the tentative agreement, which the union says prioritizes staff retention, and improved working and learning conditions.
Orvie Dingwall, UMFA president, said in a news release that the union’s members have “stood together to protect the independence and future of our university.”
“We have refused to let the provincial government’s interference reduce the competitiveness of Manitoba’s only research-intensive university,” she said.
“Because of the support from students, and the solidarity from supporters of public education, we have been able to reach a tentative agreement that prioritizes recruitment and retention.”
The results of the ratification vote will be released after public polls close at 11:30 p.m. on Monday. Details of the tentative agreement will be made public pending the result of the vote.
In a statement, the university said the negotiating teams made progress on key issues.
The U of M said its bargaining team is grateful to the mediator and to UMFA for working together to find a solution,
Michael Benarroch, U of M president and vice-chancellor, said it has been a challenging time for the community, adding that it’s time to move forward.
“We are aligned in our commitment to the mission and vision of Manitoba’s research university and to creating an exceptional work and learning environment,” he said.
“To our students, this has been especially hard on you. As we resume classes and interrupted research, we are committed to providing you with the support you need during this transition,”
He said he knows the strike has impacted students and affected their perceptions of the school, but the university is committed to providing a quick transition back to class so students can finish the academic year.
The U of M will provide more information about classes, exams and student support services later on Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.