University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) went on strike and hit the picket lines at the entrance to the university in Winnipeg, Tuesday, November 1, 2016. UMFA say they want “a greater say over ever-increasing workloads, appropriate use of metrics in evaluation, and job security.” (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
WINNIPEG — Students at the University of Manitoba are heading into their third week of academic uncertainty as faculty members continue to walk the picket line.
The U of M said in a release it’s encouraging members of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) to accept its latest offer before Wednesday, November 16, but the faculty has rejected it.
The strike enters its ninth day on Monday, putting students’ academic term schedule is disarray.
“It has been disheartening, to say the least. We are bargaining with ourselves,” said John Kearsey, vice-president (external) at the University of Manitoba.
“Given the circumstances, we feel compelled to ask the UMFA negotiating team to present the university’s offer to UMFA members for a vote. We want this strike to end. Our students want this strike to end.”
The university says if the UMFA doesn’t accept the offer by Wednesday, it will further impact the academic schedule.
“It’s extremely frustrating, particularly as we watch the distress this is causing our students.”
Students can find up-to-date information and changes to the academic schedule, such as important deadlines, by visiting umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo.
