The two-week faculty strike at the University of Northern British Columbia has been suspended.
The university has applied for a mediator under section 55 of the Labour Relations Board. It means strike action must immediately come to an end, but the faculty association can resume strike action if the process fails.
“I can’t say I wasn’t a bit disappointed,” said Faculty Association President Jacqueline Holler. “But they’re employing their rights available to them under the law.”
“I’ve heard from many of our members, they’re a little bit sad, but excited to be back in the classroom.”
The university has not said yet whether classes will resume tomorrow.
“It has become increasingly clear that the Faculty Association strike is having a significant impact on our students’ lives and the entire UNBC community. We deeply regret this,” President Daniel Weeks wrote in a statement announcing the decision.
“I am hopeful that access to the Board’s specialized process will bring the parties to a negotiated settlement without further job action.”
Job action began March 6 following months of negotiation over a new contract, mostly connected to wages. Over 4,000 students are enrolled at the Prince George university.
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