After negotiations went till nearly 5:00 a.m. post-midnight strike deadline, 800 administrative, technical, and library staff at Carleton University are officially on strike.

CUPE 2424, which represents those staff members, says on Twitter its negotiating team did not reach an agreement with the University.

We deeply regret to inform you that our Negotiating Team did not reach an agreement with the employer. CUPE 2424 will be on picket lines effective 6 AM on Monday. Members are advised to check their emails. — CUPE2424 (@CUPE2424) March 5, 2018

The union explains the issue in a letter to Carleton University President Alastair Summerlee, writing, "We have tried in earnest to find middle ground with the University around pension language but we simply cannot relinquish all bargaining rights and protections around our pensions."

Picket operations will begin at Bronson and Sunnyside at 6:00 a.m. today.

Classes will still be held later today--- however, anyone who takes OC Transpo buses to campus, be prepared to arrive early and walk to class from Bronson, as bus drivers will not cross the picket lines, should the strike go ahead.

The O-Train, however, will arrive on Campus as scheduled.

Carleton University has said it has developed contingency plans in an effort to minimize the impact of a labour disruption on students.

---

The University emailled students the following text:

"Carleton University has announced that talks have broken off with CUPE 2424 representing approximately 850 administrative, technical and clerical staff. The union advised the university of its intention to begin strike action effective 6:00a.m. on Monday, March 5, 2018. The decision follows 19 days of negotiated including mediated talks on Sunday.

Classes will continue as scheduled and all students are expected to attend class and continue with assignments, readings and other academic and research work. Students may be contacted by their instructor/Chair/Director/Dean should labs/tutorials be impacted due to safety reasons.

The undergraduate and graduate registrar’s offices, the library and other administrative offices will continue to operate, but will have limited services available. Residences, the dining hall and athletics will remain open and operational. Information regarding reduced hours of operation and service levels will be available at: https://students.carleton.ca/negotiations

Picket lines will be set up at both the Bronson Avenue and Colonel By Drive vehicle entrances. OC Transpo buses will not cross the picket line and will let passengers off on Bronson Avenue. We have been informed that the O-Train will continue to operate as normal and Para Transpo will continue to service the Carleton campus. Please plan accordingly as there may be delays getting on and off-campus.

Students are asked to stay informed and to keep apprised of information and the changing nature of the strike action. We will share up-to-date information at: https://students.carleton.ca/negotiations

Sincerely,

Suzanne Blanchard

Vice-President (Students and Enrolment) and University Registrar"