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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.