Unionized workers at NOSM University, formerly the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, will be in a legal strike position on Nov. 5.
This is based on the No-Board report that was issued by the Ontario Ministry of Labour on Oct. 19 at the request of the union.
The NOSM U Faculty and Staff Association (NUFSA), OPSEU Local 677, representing medical education faculty, librarians and professional staff, had been in provincially mediated conciliation with the NOSM University administration since Sept. 22, but the union was dissatisfied with the negotiations. The union requested the report on Oct. 10.
Following the issuance of the no-board report, a legal strike or lock-out may begin on the 17th day after the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development releases the notice to the employer and the union, said the Ontario labour ministry website.
A notice with bargaining updates on the NOSM U website said the union is legally allowed to take action as of 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 5.
"The negotiation teams representing the employer and union are scheduled to meet, through mediation, on November 1-3, 2023, in Thunder Bay, and we remain committed to finding common ground on a collective agreement," said the NOSM update page.
“In the event of a strike, we have assured our learners, employees, and communities that NOSM University will maintain academic and business continuity. There will be little to no disruption in academic programs and student services,” said NOSM U.
Any students having questions or concerns regarding the status of negotiations or contingency planning, is advised to email labourinfo@nosm.ca.
Founded in 2005, the NUFSA group is one of two OPSEU/SEFPO bargaining units representing NOSMU’s 41 full-time faculty, professional librarians, and professional staff. NUFSA is a CAUT & OCUFA Affiliate.
In the meantime, with the possibility of a labour dispute looming, the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) resolutely supported their colleagues at the NOSM University Faculty and Staff Association (NUFSA), said a news release from the Laurentian faculty group.
For months, NUFSA has been working hard to secure a fair deal for their members while faced with an employer that has, and continues to demand concessions that would undermine education quality, equity, and job security at NOSM University, said the release.
“To the hard-working faculty, librarians, and professional staff at NOSM University, know that you have our unwavering support during these challenging times,” said LUFA President Fabrice Colin. “You have our steadfast solidarity as you bargain to improve working and learning conditions at NOSM U.”
The LUFA news release also accuses NOSM U administration of making “unreasonable demands that would hurt faculty, staff, and students at the university."