Strike at Oshawa’s Ontario Tech University is over

The strike is over.

Ontario Tech University and the UOIT Faculty Association, who have been without a contract since February 10, are both declaring they have reached a tentative agreement,

According to a tweet from the university, details of the agreement will remain confidential until both parties have conducted their ratification processes. An announcement will then follow about the agreement and about the resumption of classes.

The @UOITFA and @ontariotech_u are pleased to advise that we have reached a tentative agreement. https://t.co/mJ5pxFivD2

— UOIT Faculty (@UOITFA) February 20, 2022

The FA, who represent 281 full-time faculty at the school, walked off the job and set up picket lines at the school after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract, with class sizes and workloads the key areas of contention. But after more than a week of treading water in negotiations between the two sides, Ontario Tech University and its striking faculty members agreed to work with a mediator starting this past weekend.

The association wanted Ontario Tech President Dr. Steven Murphy and his bargaining team to agree to binding arbitration to expedite they deal but were rebuffed, leading the two sides to agree to the mediator after cutting talks off last Wednesday.

HUGE CONGRATS to all colleagues who picketed (virtually & in person) & negotiated hard to defend members' rights & #QualityEducation throughout the #OTUstrike. It was an honour to join you on the line with other @OCUFA & @CAUT_ACPPU Defence Fund representatives in #solidarity!

— David #OurLondonFamily Heap (@DavidHeap) February 20, 2022