Cape Breton University faculty members walk off the job over wages
For the first time in more than two decades, there are picket lines in front of Cape Breton University in Sydney, N.S.
Members of the Cape Breton University Faculty Association walked off the job Friday morning, citing wages as the reason for the strike.
Faculty have been offered an eight per cent increase over three years, but are looking for 14 per cent over two years.
“I’m disappointed,” said faculty member Scott Moir. “I think this could have been done a long time ago. I feel sorry for our students who are put in this position, and there are solutions that are within reach.”
Most classes were cancelled at CBU Friday, though some did go ahead with staff represented by a different union.
“It’s actually a hard time for us,” said student Jeril Joseph Philip. “All of my classes are cancelled.”
“I would like to learn and I don’t know how long this will take,” said student Adriana Navarro.
The Alumni Association is also concerned, saying students that are focused on their studies don't need the increased stress and uncertainty of a strike.
“It's going to have a significant impact on their potential studies. If you don't have access to your professors, or if you can't ask questions about your courses, we might see some educational outcomes impacted,” said CBU Alumni Association President Brandon Ellis.
“Our faculty do so many great things, so I hope they're treated fairly, but I don't want to see tuition or fees increase for the students.”
“We are just pressing both sides to come together to reach an agreement,” said CBU Student Union President Damanpreet Singh.
Meanwhile, the university says its best offer is on the table.
“Everything comes down, at this point, to money -- that's the only thing left on the table. And I think that that's probably something that can be resolved,” said Rod Nicholls, a member of the university’s bargaining team.
“If it was a complicated, tricky issue then you might have to have a few weeks, but this is money.”
The last time there was a faculty strike at CBU was in 2000. It was a long dispute that lasted through much of the winter semester.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.