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Communications about the strike

Last update: March 23 2023, 9:45 AM

End of the conflict, professors back to work and classes resume

The recommendation for a settlement tabled by the conciliator appointed by the Quebec government was accepted on Wednesday, March 29, by both the union and the university authorities, thus putting an end to the strike by the Syndicat des professeurs et professeures de l'Université Laval (SPUL).

All courses affected by the strike will resume according to the usual schedule, either this Friday, March 31 or, at the latest, Monday, April 3.

It is with relief that we welcome the end of this labour dispute. We are pleased to see the professors return to work to ensure the continuity of studies for the students registered for the winter session.

We are well aware that the last few weeks have not been easy for all members of the university community. After these moments of uncertainty, it is now possible to look forward together.

In light of discussions with student association representatives and department chairs, we have agreed with SPUL management on a framework that outlines the continuity plan that will be proposed for each course affected by the strike. The following is a summary of these guidelines, which can be adapted to each course, while respecting the academic freedom of the professors.

Guidelines for continuity plans for each course (summary)

  • Professors are back at work on Thursday, March 30. On that day, they will meet with the unit responsible to discuss collectively the modalities of resumption envisaged. The goal is to provide a plan that is appropriate for each course. 
  • Professors are free to propose the content, teaching and evaluation methods and pedagogical strategies that are relevant to achieving the course objectives. The content, modalities and strategies may differ from those originally included in the course outline. 
  • In developing the continuity plan, the professor is flexible and takes into account the multiple constraints (internships, summer session, employment, graduation, end of residence permit, etc.) that students must deal with. 
  • In exceptional cases, for serious reasons, a student may request an accommodation. 
  • A minimum of two assessments must be maintained within each course. 
  • Students enrolled in the course will be consulted about changes to the schedule and evaluation procedures. This consultation should take place in the first course after the strike.
  • To be approved, changes must receive a majority of the votes cast. 
  • Classes could continue beyond April 30. 
    To the student community 
  • We invite you to visit monPortail starting Thursday, March 30 to stay informed of specific details for your return to class. From that date on, your professors will be able to communicate directly with you.
  • The teams in the various faculties can also answer your questions about the continuation of classes. 
  • If you are unsure, you can send your questions to grevespul@ulaval.ca. A team will remain available for a few more days to answer you quickly.

To the staff 
You are invited to refer to your manager if you have any questions about your role in the resumption of classes. 
 

At the end of the fourth week of the strike by the members of the Syndicat des professeurs et professeures de l'Université Laval (SPUL), we would like to provide you with some information on the state of the situation so that you can have the right information, considering that yesterday afternoon the conciliator tabled a settlement proposal and that the union rejected it.

Here is the chronology and some highlights

  • Negotiations began in September 2022, as stipulated in the Letter of Agreement for the renewal through December 1, 2022 of the SPUL members' collective bargaining agreement.
  • On January 20, 2023, after only 8 meetings, the SPUL requested a strike mandate.
  • Management filed for conciliation with the ministère du Travail, in order to support the parties and facilitate the reconciliation necessary to reach an agreement.
  • On February 20, the SPUL exercised its two-week strike mandate. Members were back at work during reading week.
  • On March 13, SPUL went on general strike, despite the fact that over 85% of the normative aspects had been negotiated by that time.
  • In early March, management publicly explained that the 20% salary increase requested as early as June 2023 - 30% in June 2026 - was beyond Université Laval's ability to pay.
  • On March 12, management tabled a second salary offer, which was refused by the union.
  • Negotiations are currently stalled on three issues: salaries, the employment floor and academic freedom.
  • On March 17, the conciliator adjourned negotiations for one week while the parties worked out separate paths to an agreement.
  • On March 22, the conciliator put forward a settlement option that the SPUL rejected.
  • To date, 36 meetings have been held, 28 of which were attended by the conciliator.

Since the beginning of the negotiations, management has made every effort to reach a negotiated settlement in the interest of all members of the university community. Management believes that it has shown openness and has made concessions in order to find ways to move forward.

It hopes that the union side will, in turn, go some way. The SPUL shares with management a responsibility towards the 56% of students with at least one course affected by the strike, of which 6,700 are at risk of not graduating.

Université Laval hopes that the next meeting with the SPUL will resolve the impasse. The employer side continues to work towards this goal.

Reminder to students affected by the strike

  • The list of assigned activities for the week of March 27 to April 2 will be available on Friday, March 24 on monPortail.
  • The Strike Info Web section provides factual information on the context of the strike and access to an evolving FAQ for the student community.
  • The Student Assistance Centre has published a webpage of tips for overcoming strike-related concerns.

For staff

  • Visit the Strike Info Web section to access the evolving FAQ for staff members.
  • If you are unsure or have additional questions, please contact your manager or email grevespul@ulaval.ca.
  • If you are experiencing psychological difficulty or distress, please do not hesitate to contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-361-2433.