Academic leaders and administrative staff at Brock are continuing to update the University’s business continuity plans, after learning that CUPE Local 4207-Unit 1 has set a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, March 19.

Representatives from Brock and the union have been engaged in contract talks for several months. CUPE 4207-1 represents contract instructors, teaching assistants, course co-ordinators, marker-graders and lab demonstrators.

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Labour issued a no-board report, which establishes the earliest possible date that the parties can be in a legal strike or lockout position. On Wednesday, the union announced March 19 as its strike deadline.

Further talks are scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18.

While the business continuity plans would help to mitigate the impacts of a labour disruption on students, faculty and staff, University officials remain hopeful that a deal can be reached before March 19.

Brock is committed to reaching an agreement that reflects the important work that members of the bargaining unit perform, while respecting the current financial and fiscal realities facing the University and the broader public sector in Ontario.

For updates about collective bargaining, including earlier progress reports, please monitor the Labour Relations at Brock website.