TORONTO, March 27, 2018 /CNW/ - The strike by CUPE 3903 representing contract faculty and graduate student employees of York University is in its fourth week. The university administration insists that York is operating normally. York University Faculty Association (YUFA), representing full-time academic employees, begs to differ. The administration insists that 55% of classes are running, but most classes have been suspended and others are continuing without the participation of Teaching Assistants or graders. The administration has engaged in particularly aggressive public relations to polish its public image during this difficult time. In addition to misleading the public, the administration, for the first time in any labour disruption at York, has declared that only it has the authority to suspend classes, usurping the authority of Senate that was recognized in previous strikes at the University. After student Senators and others were blocked, some violently, from entering a Senate meeting last week, students supporting CUPE have occupied the Senate chambers. A private security firm has been contracted to police the picket line and the occupation. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has intervened with a letter of concern to York University President Rhonda Lenton and a survey for strikers and students. Instead of bargaining, administration has now requested a forced ratification vote. A YUFA backgrounder explaining these concerns is available here. Other relevant materials, statements, and factsheets are available here.

SOURCE York University Faculty Association

For further information: Richard Wellen, YUFA President: 647-637-3475 or [email protected]; Jody Berland, YUFA Communications Officer: 416-735-7571 or [email protected]