November 14, 2022 at 10:50 pm
With just over an hour left before the strike deadline, the union representing Western University faculty announced it had reached a tentative agreement.
The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA), which represents librarians and archivists, has not provided any details about the deal, but confirmed on Twitter around 10:30 p.m. Monday that there will be no strike on Tuesday.
“We are pleased to report that your support of the UWOFA negotiating team and strong strike preparations have paid off, allowing us to reach a preliminary agreement with employers and avoid strike action,” a tweet from the teachers’ association read.
Western also issued a statement confirming the news, adding that classes would go ahead as scheduled on Tuesday.
University staff have not signed a contract since the end of June. The union has previously said its negotiations revolved around benefits for part-time members, job security for contract teachers and pay equity for studio classes at the conservatory.
UWOFA represents Western’s approximately 1,500 full- and part-time faculty members.
The terms of the agreement will not be released publicly until the parties have voted for approval.
together we avoided #StrikeAtWestern!
We are pleased to report that your support of the UWOFA negotiating team and strong strike readiness allowed us to reach preliminary agreements with employers and avoid the need for strike action.
— UWO Faculty Association (@uwofa1) November 15, 2022
#western university A preliminary agreement has been reached with UWOFA. Tentative agreement means classes will continue as scheduled tomorrow (Tuesday 15 November). UWOFA members and the Western University Council will soon vote on whether to approve the agreement.
– Western University (@WesternU) November 15, 2022
– Using Miranda Chant’s files