U of Manitoba, faculty reach tentative deal, potentially ending weeks-long strike

Classes at the University of Manitoba could resume as early as Tuesday after the faculty association and the university reached a tentative agreement to end a five-week-long strike.

The University of Manitoba Faculty Association is recommending union members vote in favour of the agreement at a special general meeting on Monday evening. 

The faculty association, which represents over 1,200 professors, instructors and librarians at the Winnipeg-based university, went on strike Nov. 2, saying higher salaries are needed to alleviate retention and recruitment problems at the school. 

The union had accused the province of interfering in the collective bargaining process by mandating how high wages could be raised.

UMFA president Orvie Dingwall said the union and university administration have agreed to send the salary issues to binding arbitration, meaning an independent arbitrator will review them and make a decision.

But they were able to reach a deal on other outstanding issues, such as who determines whether classes are taught online or in person, the university's return to work policy and leave time for vacation or research, she said.

"That mandate from the government definitely has been a tremendous barrier, and we're happy that we're able to move forward to keep the University of Manitoba competitive," Dingwall said.

"This is the first step in being able to continue to recruit and retain really top professors, instructors and librarians at the University of Manitoba."

A mediator had suggested arbitration to resolve the salary issues, recommending that government-issued mandates not be considered by the arbitrator in that process.

Dingwall said UMFA members will also vote on the parameters of the arbitration process on Monday evening. 

Both the union and university administration said classes will resume Tuesday if the deal is ratified Monday night. Voting is scheduled to end at 11:30 p.m. 

University president Michael Benarroch acknowledged how difficult the strike has been on students in a statement posted on the U of M website. 

"This has been a very challenging period for our entire community and it is time to move forward," he said. 

"I know this strike has impacted you personally and affected your perceptions of our institution. We are committed to providing a rapid transition back to class so that you can successfully complete the academic year."