Collective Bargaining at Laurentian University

Committed to building and maintaining collaborative and collegial relationships with all its students, faculty and staff, and the unions that represent them. 

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Update on Collective Agreement Negotiations with LUFA

4:00pm, January 19, 2026

Dear members of the Laurentian University community,

As you know, members of the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) went on strike beginning at 12:01 AM this morning. This choice follows several weeks of discussions between union negotiators and the University, including the involvement of a mediator for several days in recent weeks.

Those accessing campus should expect to face some delays at picket lines. Remember that picketers have a right to picket, and that this is a legal labour disruption involving our fellow community members.

Students are not expected to work on tests or assignments during a strike, as LUFA members will not be marking or otherwise evaluating student work. Once faculty members return to work, they will be given time to reassess assignment deadlines and adjust as needed, depending on the length of the disruption. We will make every effort to support our students through the strike, and Laurentian University remains firmly committed to the academic success of its students.

LUFA members have remained committed to Laurentian, and we have a deep appreciation for their efforts in restoring Laurentian to its current status and in charting its future. We continue our commitment to negotiating in good faith to find an agreement that is fair to LUFA members while protecting the long-term financial sustainability of the University.

The University has tabled an offer that is fair, reasonable, and sustainable in the circumstances. The University’s proposed salary increases are beyond what is normative in the sector, and our offer includes improvements to pension benefits, in addition to those which were already approved by the Board of Governors and communicated last week.

In challenging economic times for universities, the Administration and Board must ensure that a new collective agreement will not compromise all the hard work that has been done to move the University forward over the past few years. Our primary responsibility is to make sure that Laurentian University is strong for the future.

We will continue to provide daily updates as to the status of negotiations over the course of the week. We also continue to update the list of frequently asked questions and encourage all Laurentian University community members to read through it carefully.

If you have any questions that are not contained in the FAQ, please communicate with your student association representatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Laurentian University and the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) began negotiating a renewed collective agreement as of November 2025. This agreement governs the relationship between Laurentian University, its faculty members and other teaching staff, and includes key topics such as workload and compensation. The previous collective agreement had expired over the summer of 2025.

Faculty members and teaching staff are at the heart of the University’s commitment to deliver an exceptional student experience, to lead innovative research, and to reach our strategic objectives. They are valued and respected members of the University community.

  1. What is collective bargaining?
    1. Collective bargaining is the process through which employers and their unionized employees negotiate the terms and conditions of their work, including salary, benefits, workload, and other important areas. These negotiations are a regular and important part of the collective agreement process, and they are very common at universities in Canada. While negotiations may understandably provoke some uncertainty, as does any situation in which the outcome is unknown, collective bargaining is an important sign of a strong, free, and fair democratic society.
  2. What is a labour disruption or a strike?
    1. A labour disruption (also known as a “strike”) occurs when employees stop working and refuse to work. This coordinated effort is typically combined with “picketing”, where employees stand or walk outside their place of work to demonstrate their position to the public. The “picket line” is meant to educate those who aim to enter the employer’s property.
  3. How will I be receiving updates on the strike?
    1. This web page will be updated during any labour disputes. Updates will also be sent by email to the laurentian.ca accounts of students, faculty, and staff.
  4. Would the University be open during a strike?
    1. Yes. While the campus will remain open, some on-campus activities may be disrupted. Classes, labs, seminars and other activities led by faculty members and instructors will stop temporarily, but activities led by University staff will continue, including most student services. Residences will remain open, as will recreation facilities.
  5. Would events on campus continue as planned during the labour disruption?
    1. Yes. Residences will remain open, as will recreation facilities. Sporting events, public events, and third-party events may continue (please confirm with your event organizer).
    2. Classes, labs, seminars and other activities led by faculty members and instructors will cease, but activities led by University staff will continue, including student services.
  6. Would I still be receiving campus mail?
    1. Yes. Mail services will continue on campus, with some delays possible.
  7. How long could a strike last?
    1. It is difficult to estimate how long a strike may last and predictions about when it could end should not be viewed as reliable.

Picket Line
  1. Is it safe for Laurentian community members to cross a picket line?
    1. Yes. Everyone is legally entitled to cross the picket line and their safety should not be jeopardized in any way. If you see or experience any inappropriate behaviour, please contact Campus Security (705-673-6562) or speak to your manager. We also encourage you to download the free “SecurLU-UL”  app for regular updates.
    2. When crossing a picket line:
      1. Be patient. Proceed carefully and do not rush.
      2. Be prepared to say who you are and where you work.
      3. Do not enter into debate or discussion with the picketers.
      4. Do not antagonize the picketers, or respond to threats or taunts.
    3. If a picket line is in place, it may cause delays on Ramsey Lake Road and South Bay Road, especially near campus entrances. Please assume that all picket line activity may be filmed, so video of you crossing the picket line may be taken. Remember that picketers have a right to picket, and you have a right to cross the picket line. This is a legal labour disruption involving our fellow community members. Please remember to remain respectful.
  2. What are picketers entitled to do?
    1. Picketers engaged in a strike are permitted to communicate their views, carry signs, speak to people entering the property about their concerns, and to ask anyone to honour their picket line.
    2. They are not permitted to:
      1. Delay vehicles from entering and exiting the property for significant periods of time (anywhere from 5-15 minutes may be seen as excessive);
      2. Block or obstruct in any manner an entrance or exit, or construct barriers as would limit free passage to the University. This includes blocking or obstructing the passage of required vehicles such as University vehicles, supplier or contractor vehicles, buses, etc.
      3. Interfere with employees who wish to work and are crossing the picket line;
      4. Be violent, assault, threaten or make threatening gestures, damage property, defame, or harass on the picket line or at staging areas.
    3. If you witness any of the above, you are asked to report it to your manager or to Campus Security. You are also required to complete a Strike Incident Report Form. Be sure to include the time and location of the incident, as well as the offending picketers’ names (if known).
  3. What do I do if my way is blocked?
    1. Attempt to speak politely to the picketers. Explain your legal right to cross.
    2. If the picketers do not respond and continue to block your way, ask for their names and contact your supervisor for instructions.
    3. If the picketer will not give their names, note the date, time, exact location, and a description of the picketer.
    4. Attempt to enter the grounds by another entrance. If this is unsuccessful, contact your manager for instructions.
    5. If at any point you feel threatened or unsafe, do not attempt to force your way through. Withdraw and contact your supervisor.
    6. Avoid confrontation or escalation. Do not attempt to physically move picketers or engage in arguments.
  4. Where are the picket lines?
    1. The picket lines will likely be set up at the main entrances to campus, which are at the intersection of Ramsey Lake Road and University Road as well as at the intersection of South Bay Road and Voyageur Drive. A picket line may also be organized at the McEwen School of Architecture.
  5. How long do I have to wait at a picket line? Can I leave if the line is too long?
    1. You should expect delays when crossing a picket line. Please be patient and do not leave your vehicle while waiting to cross the picket line. While managers will be asked to make reasonable allowances for employees who are late due to picketing, give yourself plenty of time to arrive at work on time. The University will continue to monitor the situation. If you experience any issues on the picket line, please contact Campus Security or your manager.
  6. People on the picket line are handing out flyers and want to talk to me. What should I do?
    1. You are not obligated to communicate with the people on the picket line, nor are you required to accept any materials they may present to you. Please remain respectful and remember that this is a legal labour disruption involving our fellow community members.
  7. Will City of Greater Sudbury buses be operating to and from campus?
    1. Greater Sudbury Transit has confirmed that public transit, with the exception of Handitransit, will not cross picket lines. People using transit should plan for additional time in case there are delays. Please note that all regular bus stops on the roads surrounding campus (Ramsey Lake Road, South Bay Road) will be serviced as normal during a labour disruption.
    2. Laurentian University has planned for a shuttle bus to provide transit near the bus stops to campus buildings.
    3. For those with a mobility device who may not be able to board the shuttle bus, please contact Security at 705-673-6562. 

Students
  1. Are classes and labs cancelled?
    1. Yes. Classes, labs, seminars and other activities led by faculty members and instructors stop temporarily in case of a strike. Activities led by University staff will continue, including most student services.
    2. Non-credit Additional Qualifications courses and professional development courses, offered by the Centre for Teaching and Continuing Learning, will continue to be offered.
  2. Are classes cancelled for online for-credit students as well?
    1. Yes. All classes led by faculty members and instructors, including online for-credit classes, will stop temporarily during a labour disruption. Access to D2L will continue.
  3. Can I communicate with my instructor during a labour disruption?
    1. Faculty members will not be performing any part of their work during a labour disruption, including communicating with students.
  4. Will my assignment deadlines be impacted? Should I continue to work on my classes during the disruption?
    1. Students are not expected to work on their courses during a labour disruption. Once faculty members return to work, they will be given time to reassess assignment deadlines and adjust as needed, depending on the length of the disruption.
  5. Will the University be open during a strike?
    1. Yes. The campus will remain open, though some on-campus activities may be disrupted. Activities led by University staff will continue, including most student services. Residences will remain open, as will recreation facilities. Sporting events, public events, and third-party events may continue (please confirm with your event organizer).
  6. Will student services be available during a labour disruption?
    1. Activities led by University staff will continue, including student services. All Library & Archives locations will remain open, as will the Student Success Office (including academic advising). Some individual programs or workshops may be impacted. Please check with the service on availability.
    2. Counselling services will be interrupted during a labour disruption. However, many other services are available to students.
  7. How much notice would be provided to students before classes resume?
    1. Once a labour disruption has ended, the University will communicate when classes will resume. This would typically occur within days of the end of a labour disruption.
  8. Would my placement, internship or co-op continue?
    1. School of Nursing/École des science infirmières
      1. All clinical placements and related activities for undergraduate and graduate students in all French and English nursing programs, across all years in the School of Nursing / École des sciences infirmières (acute and non-acute settings), will be suspended, as Clinical Educators and Clinical Advisors are faculty members.
    2. School of Education / École des sciences de l’éducation
      1. Students currently completing placements in the School of Education/École d’éducation would have their placements suspended. Future placements will be determined by the School once the duration of the strike is known.
    3. School of Indigenous Relations
      1. All placements within the School would be suspended during a labour disruption.
    4. Orthophonie
      1. Master’s student clinical placements and research projects would be temporarily suspended.
      2. B.Sc.S students will have access to the Orthophonie lab, which is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday mornings with the technician present.
    5. School of Social Work/École de service social
      1. All placements and research supervised by faculty are temporarily suspended.
    6. Faculty of Management
      1. Students continue their internships and placements with the Work-Integrated Learning Coordinator as their point of contact.
        1. spad@laurentian.ca
        2. businessinterns@laurentian.ca
    7. Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture
      1. Students continue their internships and placements with the office of the Dean of SEA as their point of contact.
        1. SEA@laurentian.ca
           
  9. Would my academic field trip move forward as scheduled?
    1. During a strike, all activities led by faculty members and instructors, including academic field trips, will not take place during a labour disruption.
    2. Events planned into the future will be reevaluated based on the impact of a strike.
  10. Do campus events continue?
    1. Each event will depend on the organizers, please check with event organizers.
    2. Many events are planned to move forward, including:
      1. Model Parliament
      2. SPAD hockey tournament
      3. Goodman Gold Challenge
  11. Are Teaching Assistants expected to continue their work?
    1. Teaching Assistants are not expected to perform their regular employment duties until a strike ends.

Admissions
  1. I have applied to study at Laurentian. Does this impact my application or admission status?
    1. No. A labour disruption would not have a major impact on admissions. Staff continue to report to work and process admissions, some programs which require faculty involvement in decision making may see delays in responses during a labour disruption.

Athletics & Recreation
  1. Would athletics and recreation activities continue?
    1. Yes. Recreation facilities would remain open, and athletics and recreation activities, including sporting events, continue as planned.

International Students
  1. What does a strike look like in Canada?
    1. A labour disruption (also known as a “strike”) occurs when employees stop working and refuse to perform their duties as part of a dispute with their employer. Strikes are often accompanied by “picketing”, where employees gather outside their workplace, sometimes forming a ‘‘picket line’’ to raise awareness about their position and to inform or persuade others about the dispute. Picket lines are generally peaceful and are intended to educate the public and those entering the employer’s property.
  2. Will this impact my immigration status?
    1. International students may take a leave from studies for up to 150 days (about five months) due to a strike. If the leave exceeds 150 days, you must either change your status (e.g., to visitor) or leave Canada to maintain compliance. The Immigration Advisory Team will provide guidance and workshops and guidance on how to apply the Visitor Records.
    2. Based on IRCC regulations, international students are eligible to work up to 24 hours per week while a strike is in effect, for a maximum period of 150 days. This allows you to maintain part-time work while the labour disruption is ongoing, without affecting your immigration status.
    3. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility is not affected by a strike, provided you resume full-time studies, change your status, or leave Canada within the 150-day window.
  3. How would Laurentian support potential immigration risks & adverse impacts (i.e., student and work permits)?
    1. The Immigration Advisory Team is available to provide support regarding study permits, work permits, co-op placements, and PGWP applications.
    2. They also ensure that any required documents, such as Letters of Completion (LOC) and Letter of Enrollment (LOE) are issued in a timely manner once your academic requirements are completed, even if a strike occurs.
  4. Do services for international students continue?
    1. Yes, activities led by University staff would continue, including student services.

Library & Archives
  1. Would the library be open throughout the labour disruption?
    1. Yes, all Library & Archives locations would remain open and many services continue to be available. Please refer to the Library & Archives homepage for opening hours. For additional questions, please contact library@laurentian.ca.

Online
  1. Would online students continue their classes?
    1. It will depend on whether the online class you are taking is for-credit or non-credit. With respect to for-credit courses, all classes led by faculty members and instructors, such as  Laurentian Online for credit courses, will stop temporarily during the labour disruption. Access to D2L however will continue. Non-credit Additional Qualification courses and professional development courses will continue as regularly scheduled.
  2. Would course instructors communicate with us?
    1. With respect to for-credit Laurentian Online courses, faculty members would not be performing any part of their work during the labour disruption, including communicating with students. The Laurentian Online staff will continue to provide support to these students.
    2. For Additional Qualification courses and Professional Development courses, the Micro-credential and Non-programming staff would continue to provide support to instructors and students in these courses.

Residence & Food Services
  1. Would residences remain open?
    1. Yes, residences would remain open and staff would continue to support students.
  2. Would Food Services be available?
    1. Yes, food services would be available, however hours and locations may vary. Please visit dineoncampus.ca/laurentian for up-to-date hours of operations.

Faculty
  1. Will LUFA members be paid during a labour disruption?
    1. No. Employees who are on strike do not complete their work, which means that they are not paid until the end of a labour disruption.
  2. Will all LUFA members be participating in a labour disruption?
    1. By default, all LUFA members are considered to be on strike until they inform the employer otherwise or until a labour disruption is resolved.
    2. A process is available for LUFA members to opt out of a labour disruption, commit to doing their work through a labour disruption, and get paid. Faculty members can initiate the process by contacting their Dean.
  3. Will faculty have access to my email service during labour action?
    1. As faculty members are not working during a labour disruption, they will not have access to their email accounts or to any other Laurentian IT systems until a labour disruption is resolved.
  4. Will faculty be able to access their offices or labs during the labour action?
    1. As faculty members are not working during a labour disruption, they will not have access to their offices or labs until a labour disruption is resolved.
    2. Exceptions will be made in rare circumstances for faculty members completing time-sensitive research whose progress would be irreparably harmed without lab access.
    3. Petitions for exceptional lab access can be made to the Vice-President, Research at vpresearch@laurentian.ca.

Staff
  1. Can I request to work from home during any potential labour disruption?
    1. Laurentian’s Flexible Work Arrangement Program remains in place during a labour disruption. Staff are expected to report to work as per their existing work arrangement.
    2. Laurentian will continue to monitor the situation as a labour disruption evolves to determine whether a change in approach is needed.
  2. I am not a LUFA member. Am I required to perform my work during a labour disruption?
    1. Yes. All union and non-union employees are required by law to perform their work, unless they are LUFA members who have chosen to participate in a labour disruption.
    2. Employees who hold dual appointments and belong to both LUFA and a non-LUFA employee group are required to perform their non-LUFA work throughout a labour disruption.
  3. I report to a LUFA member who is on strike. What happens now?
    1. Employees who report directly to a LUFA member will be advised directly by their interim supervisor and/or manager prior to a Labour Disruption.
    2. Should an employee be unclear of who they report to, they are advised to contact hrd@laurentian.ca in order to obtain confirmation.

Visitors to campus
  1. Would the Laurentian University campus remain open?
    1. Yes. The campus would remain open, some on-campus activities may be disrupted. Residences would remain open, as would recreation facilities. Sporting events, public events, and third-party events may continue (please confirm with your event organizer).
    2. Visitors are encouraged to expect delays and allow for extra time when coming onto campus.

Vendors
  1. Will deliveries be redirected?
    1. Transit providers and/or delivery services will receive information from Laurentian Postal, Shipping and Receiving regarding alternate drop-off locations or alternate designated delivery zones and any potential changes.
  2. Will purchases and payments continue?
    1. Purchases will continue and Purchase Orders will continue to be sent to vendors, alternate delivery information may be provided as required. Support staff will continue processing invoices though processing times may be slower.
    2. Vendors and suppliers are strongly encouraged to register for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to ensure timely payment.
  3. Are onsite promotions allowed?
    1. During a strike, onsite vendor promotions are often paused until regular operations resume.
  4. What happens to ongoing contracts or projects?
    1. Vendors, suppliers and contractors should strictly perform only their contracted duties and requirements per their contract. Please note that if the services you are providing are directly related to faculty led events, these will be suspended during a strike. Goods will continue to be received and construction projects will continue to proceed.
    2. Most major projects continue, though there may be delays due to supply chain disruptions or picketing. 

Previous Updates

4:00pm, January 18, 2026

Dear members of the Laurentian University community,

As shared in our previous message, the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) has informed the University that its members plan to withhold their services and begin a strike on January 19 at 12:01 AM. Unfortunately, an agreement has not yet been reached and we anticipate the strike will begin on Monday morning.

Once the strike begins, our campus will remain open. However, all Laurentian University classes will be suspended temporarily. Classes, labs, seminars and other activities led by faculty members and instructors both online and in-person will stop temporarily, but activities led by University staff (non-LUFA) will continue, including most student services. Non-credit Additional Qualifications courses and professional development courses, offered by the Centre for Teaching and Continuing Learning, will continue to be offered.

This is not the outcome we had hoped for, and we understand that these events will provoke a range of emotions. To our students, staff and faculty, please know that Laurentian University is fully committed to supporting you through this disruption.

To our students, their parents and families, Laurentian University remains committed to your academic success. Once this strike ends, the necessary arrangements will be made to ensure that you can finish your academic term and your studies. What this looks like will depend on the duration of the strike, and we do not know that at this time. We will make every effort to support our students through this process. Student services will remain open during the strike.

To our international students who might be worried about their visa status and how it might be impacted by this strike, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to International Student Services (international@laurentian.ca). We are here to answer your questions.

To our staff, we know you may be concerned about this turn of events. The University remains open during the strike. Non-LUFA staff continue to work and will continue to get paid according to the memo that was sent on January 15. Things on campus will look a bit different - there will be fewer students around, and there may be picket lines - but we will continue to do what we can during this time and focus on returning to normal operations as soon as possible.

We acknowledge the critical role that LUFA members play both inside and outside of the classroom. We recognize that the University community has been through a tremendously difficult few years. LUFA members have remained committed to Laurentian, and we have a deep appreciation for their efforts in restoring Laurentian to its current status and in charting its future. We continue our commitment to negotiating in good faith to find an agreement that is fair to LUFA members while protecting the long-term financial sustainability of the University.

The University has tabled an offer that is fair, reasonable, and sustainable in the circumstances. The University’s proposed salary increases are beyond what is normative in the sector, and our offer includes improvements for LUFA members in key areas.

In challenging economic times for universities, the Administration and Board must ensure that a new collective agreement will not compromise all the hard work that has been done to move the University forward over the past few years. Our primary responsibility is to make sure that Laurentian University is strong for the future.

The University remains open and willing to continue negotiations if LUFA will return to the bargaining table. We will provide daily updates as to the status of negotiations over the course of the next week. We also continue to update the list of frequently asked questions and encourage all Laurentian University community members to read through it carefully.

If you have any questions that are not contained in the FAQ, please communicate with your student association representatives or simply reply to this email.