Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Bargaining
For the latest information on the ongoing negotiations between the CEC and the Union, visit the Academic Bargaining updates webpage.
The Union provided the CEC with five days’ notice of strike action on January 3, 2025 to commence as early as January 9, 2025. At this time, we do not know what form the strike will take (work-to-rule, full walk-out, etc.).
Yes, classes are being scheduled as usual for the time being. Visit www.humber.ca/updates for the latest information.
A strike may take different forms. In general, it is a refusal to work that is designed to slow down, disrupt, or stop operations. A strike is organized by a Union as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to force the employer to agree to their demands.
In a full walk-out strike, employees withdraw all their services and choose to walk the picket line. Faculty picketing do not teach during a full walk-out strike.
Decisions regarding ongoing Humber activities will be made at the time a strike is called. In the event of a walk-out strike, courses involving striking employees would be cancelled.
There is the potential the Winter 2025 semester could be interrupted and/or extended. If the semester is impacted, Humber will do everything possible to ensure that all students have the opportunity to complete the semester.
If a strike occurs, Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber are committed to student success and will ensure that all students have the opportunity to achieve their learning goals in a timely manner.
To date, no Ontario college student has ever lost a year because of a strike.
We do not know at this time. We will work to ensure that students are able to maintain their work study contracts or co-op/field placements.
Yes, in the case of a strike, Humber’s North, Lakeshore and Downtown (IGS) campuses and University of Guelph-Humber Building would remain open. When picket lines occur, picketers cannot prevent access to those looking to enter campus. In the event of a strike, information will be provided by Humber on how to safely access campus.
In the event of a strike, Humber will make every effort to provide services as long as possible. We will endeavour to provide sufficient notice if some operations were to be reduced or suspended during the period of a strike. Updates will be posted regularly on www.humber.ca/updates.
The Child Development Centre would remain open. If parents of current or prospective day care children have questions, please contact Tonja Armstrong-MacInnis, director, Child Development Centre at tonja.armstrong-macinnis@humber.ca.
Yes, if a strike commences, it includes all full-time and partial-load faculty in Ontario’s 24 colleges. This also includes full-time librarians and counsellors.
On October 9, the College Employer Council (CEC) and OPSEU entered conciliation. Conciliation is a process by which a conciliation officer is appointed by the Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to meet with the union and the employer to attempt to conclude a collective agreement.
On November 6, 2024, the CEC and OPSEU mutually agreed to enter non-binding mediation. Both parties will submit proposals to the agreed upon neutral mediator, who will work with the parties to find common ground and come to an agreement. If the parties do not come to an agreement, the mediator cannot force either party to change their position. Mediation took place December 6-8, 2024. On December 9, it was announced that mediation would continue on January 6 and Tuesday January 7, 2025.
A no board report is a formal notice issued by the Ontario Minister of Labour when conciliation between an employer and a union fails. On December 12, the OPSEU academic bargaining team requested a no board report from the Ministry of Labour, which was issued on December 18. The no board report gives the Union a position to notify or start labour action, such as a strike, if they choose. Mediation remains scheduled for January 6 and 7, 2025, and while the union is in a legal strike position, there remains the possibility for mediation to continue or alternative forms of negotiations to occur.
Labour action does mean strike. Strike action can take various forms, which include work-to-rule, rotating strikes, all the way up to a full walk out. Only the Union can determine what forms of strike action will occur and when.
Yes, bargaining may continue, and if both parties are willing, a settlement can be negotiated.
Humber will inform/update students about a faculty strike and the impact on their classes/schedules in the following ways:
- Updates posted on www.humber.ca/updates
- Through Humber’s main social media channels
- By direct email
- Information/links posted on MyHumber
The CEC website contains information on the bargaining process and an ongoing archive of proposals from both parties. Additionally, all news updates are published across CEC social media channels and the website.
This situation is beyond your control, and your status as a study permit holder should not be affected. As a result of the strike, you will
- not face any penalty or enforcement action because you can’t pursue your studies during this time
- be able to work off campus for up to 24 hours per week if your study permit allows you to work (and also work full-time during regular breaks such as winter holidays and reading week)
- still be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
You must continue to have valid status as a student in Canada to be able to return to class after the labour dispute is resolved. If you need to apply to extend your study permit during the strike, include a letter from the Humber Office of the Registrar that confirms that the strike has stopped you from attending school and pursuing your studies.