Collective Bargaining at Laurentian University

January 7, 2026

Dear members of the Laurentian University Community,

At the end of December 2025, the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) received a “no board report”. This report is a government document that declares a bargaining impasse and ends the mandatory period of conciliation. It allows for a 17-day countdown to a legal strike or lockout date.  

This is a common step in the negotiation process, aimed at providing the bargaining team with greater leverage in negotiations. Even when a “no board report” is filed, it is common for the parties to continue to negotiate up until any strike deadline. The filing of a “no board report” does not mean that a strike or labour disruption will take place. 

If an agreement is not reached by that time, LUFA has informed the University that its members will withhold their services and begin a strike on January 19, 2026. 

We will communicate broadly with the University community ahead of any potential strike or labour disruption.

The University remains dedicated 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. We will continue to provide updates as negotiations progress.

Laurentian University and the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) have begun 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. Could there be a strike or labour disruption?
   1. The two parties continue negotiations, with the intent of signing a new collective agreement before any strike or labour disruption would happen.
3. 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.
4. How will we know if a strike is going to happen?
   1. Even when a ‘no board report’ is filed, it is common for the parties to continue to negotiate up until any strike deadline. The filing of a ‘no board report’ does not mean that a strike or labour disruption will take place.
5. How will I be receiving updates on the possible labour dispute?
   1. This web page will be updated during any labour disputes. Emails will also be sent to the laurentian.ca accounts of students, faculty, and staff when there are significant updates to provide.