To the Memorial University community, 

I am writing to update you on collective bargaining between Memorial University and the Lecturers’ Union of Memorial University of Newfoundland.  

The union has indicated that it has set a strike deadline of 11:59 pm on Sunday, March 10, which means they may choose to strike effective Monday, March 11 at 12 a.m.  

I want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to reach a mutually beneficial agreement and will be meeting throughout the weekend.  

If a deal is not reached before 11:59 p.m. on March 10 and the union chooses to strike immediately thereafter, courses taught by per course instructors will be paused.  

Important information for members of the university community in the event of a strike:  

• All campuses will remain open, including student residences, libraries, student services and food service operations. 
• Classes taught by LUMUN members will be paused; classes taught by non-LUMUN members are expected to continue. An online course identification tool is available now for planning purposes.
• All non-LUMUN employees will be expected to continue work as per their current arrangement. 
• LUMUN members may set up picket lines at some campus entrance/exits. Please show patience and courtesy as this may lead to some delays when leaving or entering campus. 

Our priority is ensuring students can complete the academic requirements of their program of study with minimal disruptions. We understand that students have questions about the impact of a potential LUMUN strike, including what it means for semester dates, course completion, program requirements and academic amnesty. Memorial will work to make reasonable accommodations for students impacted by a strike; more information will be shared as it becomes available.   

LUMUN members are an important part of the Memorial community. They teach approximately 13 per cent of courses on the St. John’s and Grenfell campuses and one course at Labrador Campus, offering academic units flexibility in developing course schedules and bringing important real-world context into Memorial classrooms.  

We recognize that this is a challenging time for all members of our community, particularly students. The university will continue to work towards a mutually beneficial agreement in the hopes of avoiding a strike.  

Jennifer Lokash

Provost and Vice-President (Academic) pro tempore