A strike is a stoppage of work, a refusal to work or to continue work, by employees in a specific union. A strike may take different forms, but generally, it is a refusal to work in a way that is designed to slow down, disrupt or stop operations. A strike is organized by a union as a form of protest in an attempt to force the employer to agree to their demands.

No. We do not expect you to choose a side. We understand this is a stressful situation and students may feel obligated to express their support for one side or the other. CBU respects your right to support the union or to choose not to voice support to either side. 

It is possible that the provincial government will get involved if the parties still cannot come to an agreement and a strike has gone on for a length of time. The next step would be mediation, which is a non-binding tool used to help parties reach a settlement.

If a mediator is still not successful, or the government does not appoint a mediator, the parties may appoint an arbitrator. The arbitrator will listen to both parties and then decide how to resolve the issues. The parties must accept the arbitrator’s decision, even if they are not happy with it.

CBU does have a surplus and intends to invest that money directly in places where students will benefit. This includes campus planning, campus infrastructure (new buildings including modern lab and classroom spaces), housing initiatives, and strategic health initiatives.

At a picket line, union members will generally carry signs that show their concerns or issues and may walk in front of campus entrances. Picket lines are not legally permitted to set up on private property. In the case of CBU, all property from the fence line along Grand Lake Road toward campus buildings is private property.

As a CBU student, you have a legal right to cross a picket line to enter campus. We understand that any picketing will occur in a lawful, respectful and considerate manner. While this may be uncomfortable for some students, we encourage you to act as you normally would toward those striking. It is legal for those on strike to provide information, but they must allow the normal movement of people and vehicles into CBU.

This is normal and we understand a strike can be a stressful time for students. The Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre will remain open to students throughout a strike and appointments can be booked by emailing healthservices@cbu.ca. Additional mental health resources are available on our website. 

For international students, CBU has partnered with Guard.Me to offer emergency health services and 24/7 mental health services through keep.me.SAFE, a support service available to help with challenges faced when studying or living abroad. Guard.Me also offers mobileDOCTOR that allows international students to connect with a doctor on your phone or laptop 24/7. Visit CBU’s International Students Health Services page for more information.

The Labour Relations page will continue to be updated with any new developments and will be your main source for accurate and up-to-date information. Important updates affecting students and employees will also be communicated directly through official CBU email. Please pay close attention to your CBU email for all future communications from the University on this matter.

The Labour Relations page will continue to be updated with any new developments and will be your main source for accurate and up-to-date information. Important updates affecting students and employees will also be communicated directly through official CBU email. Please pay close attention to your CBU email for all future communications from the University on this matter.

If you have questions, please email them to labour@cbu.ca.