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U of M, Faculty Association Reach Tentative Agreement

November 20, 2016 10:21 PM | News


UMFA Strike

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. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)

WINNIPEG — A faculty strike at the University of Manitoba that would have stretched into its fourth week on Monday has come to an end.

The U of M and University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) reached a tentative agreement on Sunday.

Classes are set to resume on Tuesday, November 22.

The U of M says both sides negotiated throughout the weekend, making progress on key issues related to teaching workload, performance metrics, and job protection.

UMFA is recommending their members ratify the agreement.

“The last few weeks have been challenging, and at times divisive, but it is my hope that our community will reunite in support of our commitment to our shared mission of teaching, discovery and engagement,” said David Barnard, U of M president and vice-chancellor.

“To our students, I want to say that I understand and appreciate the extent to which the events of the past few weeks have disrupted your academic programs and shaken your perceptions of this institution. Please know that we are committed to providing a rapid transition back to class so that you can successfully complete the academic year.”

Details on the tentative agreement are being withheld until the UMFA executive has briefed its members. Some of the key issues were workloads, appropriate use of metrics in evaluation, and job security.

Students are being asked to continually check umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo for up-to-date information related to their classes. A campus-wide email will be sent out on Monday with class and exam schedules, as well as available student support services.