Yukon University and the Yukon Employees’ Union plan to resume negotiations this week to prevent a possible labour disruption. The union secured a strike mandate from members in January, paving the way for potential job action as early as March 2.
Key Disagreements in Collective Bargaining
The sides remain divided over terms in the collective agreement, which expired in June 2024 and involves the university, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, and the Yukon Employees’ Union. Interim President Shelagh Rowles confirmed that talks will occur from Monday through Wednesday.
Rowles highlighted significant gaps in wage proposals, noting the union seeks a 17.5 percent increase while the university faces a mandate capping raises at 11 percent.
University Senate Addresses Student Impacts
Last Wednesday, the university’s governing senate delayed a vote on an academic disruption plan to incorporate student feedback more effectively. This plan outlines how a strike might affect coursework and term completion.
Rowles emphasized the senate’s role in ensuring student stability. “This is an opportunity for the parties to come together to find a solution,” she stated. “The senate has a responsibility to have a solution to that, to have a pathway and communication for students to be able to finish the term.”
Students Voice Anxiety Over Strike Risks
International undergraduate Parth Vavadiya expressed worries about preserving his grades, covering tuition and rent, and potential effects on his study visa if a strike disrupts classes. He anticipates picket lines but trusts student union leaders and senate representatives to secure better assurances.
Students at the Yukon School of Visual Arts (SOVA) in Dawson City, accredited by Yukon University, also report unease. SOVA student Olive Siemens must complete courses by June to transfer to the Ontario College of Art & Design University in Toronto. Despite supporting faculty, Siemens added, “I kind of need to also just trust that what’s going to happen is going to happen and it’s going to be OK.”
Two student leaders serve on an ad hoc committee developing the academic disruption plan. Mandeep Singh, president of the Yukon University student union, raised alarms about impacts on academics, finances, and mental health. “Students are really crying when they are telling their stories,” Singh said. “That really makes me very stressed and also very sad.”
Singh urged clearer communication, as students face the heaviest fallout from any labour action, and expressed hope for a swift agreement to avoid a strike.
