Collective Bargaining at Laurentian University

(November 17, 2025) - Laurentian University and the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) have begun negotiating a renewed collective agreement as of November 2025. This agreement governs the relationship between Laurentian University, its faculty members, certain professional staff and part-time lecturers, and includes key topics such as workload and compensation. The previous collective agreement had expired over the summer of 2025.

Faculty members, professional staff  and part-time lecturers are at the heart of the University’s commitment to deliver an exceptional student experience, to lead innovative research, and to reach our strategic objectives. They are valued and respected members of the University community. 

What is collective bargaining?

Collective bargaining is the process through which employers and their unionized employees negotiate the terms and conditions of their work, including salary, benefits, workload, and other important areas. 

These negotiations are a regular and important part of the collective agreement process, and they are very common at universities in Canada. While negotiations may understandably provoke some uncertainty, collective bargaining is an important sign of a strong, free, and fair democratic society. 

There are multiple days set for negotiations throughout November and December. 

Could there be a strike or labour disruption? 

The University has not received any notice yet from LUFA signaling an upcoming strike or labour disruption. The two parties intend to continue negotiations, with the intent of signing a new collective agreement before any strike or labour disruption would happen. 

Before a legal strike or labour disruption can happen other key steps would first have to occur, allowing the University to provide students and staff advanced notice of this possibility. 

One of these steps involves the issuing of a ‘no board report’. A ‘no board report’ is a government document that declares a bargaining impasse and ends the mandatory period of conciliation. It means that negotiations have stalled and allows a 17-day countdown to a legal strike or lockout date. We would communicate broadly with the University community well ahead of any potential strike or labour disruption.  

Even when a ‘no board report’ is filed, it is common for the parties to continue to negotiate up until any strike deadline. The filing of a ‘no board report’ does not mean that a strike or labour disruption will take place. 

Laurentian University looks forward to the beginning of negotiations and is committed to bargaining in good faith with LUFA.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Laurentian University and the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) have begun negotiating a renewed collective agreement as of November 2025. This agreement governs the relationship between Laurentian University, its faculty members and other teaching staff, and includes key topics such as workload and compensation. The previous collective agreement had expired over the summer of 2025.

Faculty members and teaching staff are at the heart of the University’s commitment to deliver an exceptional student experience, to lead innovative research, and to reach our strategic objectives. They are valued and respected members of the University community. 

1. What is collective bargaining?
   1. Collective bargaining is the process through which employers and their unionized employees negotiate the terms and conditions of their work, including salary, benefits, workload, and other important areas. These negotiations are a regular and important part of the collective agreement process, and they are very common at universities in Canada. While negotiations may understandably provoke some uncertainty, as does any situation in which the outcome is unknown, collective bargaining is an important sign of a strong, free, and fair democratic society.
2. Could there be a strike or labour disruption?
   1. The University has not received any notice yet from LUFA signaling an upcoming strike or labour disruption. The two parties continue negotiations, with the intent of signing a new collective agreement before any strike or labour disruption would happen.
3. What is a labour disruption or a strike?
   1. A labour disruption (also known as a “strike”) occurs when employees stop working and refuse to work. This coordinated effort is typically combined with “picketing”, where employees stand or walk outside their place of work to demonstrate their position to the public. The “picket line” is meant to educate those who aim to enter the employer’s property.
4. How will we know if a strike is going to happen??
   1. Before a strike or labour disruption can happen other key steps would first have to occur, allowing the University to provide students and staff advanced notice of this possibility. We would communicate broadly with the University community well ahead of any potential strike or labour disruption.
   2. One of these steps involves the issuing of a ‘no board report’. A ‘no board report’ is a government document that declares a bargaining impasse and ends the mandatory period of conciliation. It means that negotiations have stalled and allows a 17-day countdown to a legal strike or lockout date. We would communicate broadly with the University community well ahead of any potential strike or labour disruption.
   3. Even when a ‘no board report’ is filed, it is common for the parties to continue to negotiate up until any strike deadline. The filing of a ‘no board report’ does not mean that a strike or labour disruption will take place.
5. How will I be receiving updates on the possible labour dispute?
   1. This web page will be updated during any labour disputes. Emails will also be sent to the laurentian.ca accounts of students, faculty, and staff when there are significant updates to provide.