The labour minister has appointed an investigator to get to the bottom of the dispute between York University and its 3,000 striking academic workers.

Under a little-used section of Ontario’s Labour Relations Act, Kevin Flynn has appointed an arbitrator to look into why the labour strife continues to drag on.

The act allows the minister to “establish an industrial inquiry commission to inquire into and report to the minister on any industrial matter or dispute that the minister considers advisable.”

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Arbitrator/mediator William Kaplan has been named the sole member of the commission, and he has three weeks to report back to Flynn.

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“We understand that parties may require support beyond the bargaining table,” Flynn said in a statement.

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“The commissioner will bring his neutrality, impartiality and experience to the remaining issues in the dispute and report on what, if any, steps could then be taken to address them.”

Teaching assistants, graduate assistants and contract faculty have been off the job since March 5, affecting about half of all classes.

Kaplan is tasked with “(facilitating) a resolution in the dispute ... he will be responsible for examining the relationship between the parties, identifying key issues in the dispute, investigating the dispute's underlying causes and assessing prospects of settlement,” the ministry said.

Section 37 of the act was last used in 2015, in a 22-month strike by United Steelworkers at Crown Metal Packaging.

“... I want to see York students completing this semester as soon as possible,” said Mitzie Hunter, minister of advanced education and skills development, who called the ongoing dispute “disappointing.”

“This is a very difficult situation, and I know some students are currently facing challenges related to completing courses, finishing workplace training and finding employment.

“I strongly urge the parties to work collaboratively with Mr. Kaplan, and with each other, to resolve this dispute as soon as possible."

York said it welcomed the province’s move, and asked striking CUPE staff to return to the classroom.

CUPE, however, has asked the university to return to the bargaining table.

Both sides will meet with Kaplan on Sunday.

The workers are seeking improved job security, pay and benefits.