Why is there a potential labour disruption, and what is the University doing to prevent it?
The collective agreements for the three bargaining units in the association expired on August 31, 2025.
The University is continuing with good-faith negotiations to reach fair collective agreements for the affected employees while taking its financial circumstances into account. A conciliator and a mediator have been involved in the process.
No labour disruption is currently anticipated for the Toronto/Windsor unit, but a labour disruption remains a possibility for the main and OLBI units.
How long could a strike last, and how will I receive updates?
There is no telling how long a strike might last since this will depend on how negotiations progress. The University will provide important updates through its official communication channels.
How will my pay be affected? Can I continue working during a strike?
Striking part-time professors will not be paid for periods when they withdraw their services. These absences will be recorded in Workday as unpaid “strike leave.” Any pay already issued for these periods will be considered an overpayment and recovered from subsequent paycheques, in accordance with legal requirements and University practices.
That said, under section 80 of Ontario’s Labour Relations Act, part-time professors may request to continue working and receiving their regular pay during a strike. Those who wish to do this may fill out the form.
What will happen to scheduled exams, assignment deadlines or assessments?
Exams, assignment deadlines and assessments may be postponed, suspended or rescheduled in accordance with University guidelines. Schedules and assessment methods may be adjusted.
What will happen to my group insurance, pension and disability benefits?
Group insurance: Subject to approval by Canada Life and payment of premiums by the association, the University will continue to pay its share of the premiums and will request that extended health insurance coverage be maintained for striking part-time professors enrolled in the plan.
Pension: Strike periods when services are withdrawn will not count as pensionable service. The University will make no contributions, and service cannot be bought back for this period.
Long-term disability: Any benefits that were being paid at the start of the strike will continue, subject to the terms of the plan.
How will my paid leave and vacation be affected?
Once the strike begins, striking part-time professors will not be able to accumulate or use leave. No paid leave, including sick leave, compassionate leave or leave for family obligations, will be granted for periods when professors have withdrawn their services.
No vacation will be approved or authorized during the strike, and striking part-time professors will not receive pay in lieu of vacation.
Will I have access to the Academic and Professional Development Fund and tuition fee credits?
No. Any requests for funding from the Academic and Professional Development Fund that are submitted during a strike, or for expenses incurred during a strike, will be denied.
The same applies to tuition fee credits during a strike or lockout.
Will I have access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)?
Yes. EFAP will remain available to all employees, including those on strike.
Will I have access to my email, the IT systems and my office?
Starting on the first day of the strike, affected part-time professors will no longer have access to their @uOttawa.ca accounts, Microsoft, Workday and other University systems.
Campus will remain open to the public, but striking part-time professors will not be able to access their offices or usual workspaces.