University issues timetable for return to classes if legislation is passed

The Executive Committee of the York University Senate has issued a timetable for a return to classes by students, depending upon the date of royal assent of back-to-work legislation in the Ontario legislature.

Premier Dalton McGuinty recalled the legislature on Sunday and introduced legislation to bring an end to the strike by Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3903, which began Nov. 6. If this legislation passes, all outstanding items between the two parties will go to mediation and binding arbitration.

Senate Executive has declared that there must be at least 24 hours between the end of the disruption – that is, the day when the bill is passed and signed into law (royal assent) – and the resumption of classes. Classes that are suspended will resume as follows, assuming royal assent in the coming week:

Classes will resume on a regular schedule (that is, Wednesday classes will meet on the first Wednesday after resumption, for example).  Further information about the fall, winter and summer term schedules will be issued as soon as possible after the legislation has been approved and the disruption has ended.

Students in programs that were previously approved as specified exemptions or that were approved for early remediation should continue with their class schedules as previously notified

Check the Division of Students’ Labour Disruption page for updates. The Office of the Registrar will also post the revised fall, winter and summer schedules at the Important Dates page within hours of the end of the end of the disruption.

The recall of the legislature was announced by the premier on Saturday. Here is the text of his statement:

“On Wednesday, I asked Ontario’s top labour mediator, Reg Pearson, to make one final attempt to resolve the ongoing labour dispute at York University. Since that time Mr. Pearson has met with both sides and worked to resolve the strike through mediation and discussion.

"Earlier today I was advised by Mr. Pearson that there is no reasonable prospect of a negotiated settlement between York University and CUPE Local 3903. The sides are in a clear deadlock, and despite our best efforts to bring the sides together, that has not changed.

"The strike is also at the point where the academic year is in jeopardy for York students. In challenging economic times, when we need all our people at their best, we simply cannot afford to delay the education of 45,000 of our best and brightest young people.

"Having exhausted all other options, I will be recalling the legislature as of Sunday at 1 pm for the purposes of introducing back to work legislation. I am asking MPP’s from all parties to provide unanimous consent for immediate passage of the bill so that students can get back to school this week.”

York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri said: “Like the premier, we would have preferred to reach a negotiated settlement at the table. However – and most importantly – this initiative by the premier will help our 50,000 students get back to class as soon as possible.”

Shoukri continued: “I look forward to welcoming our students back. We are working tirelessly to facilitate as smooth a return as possible and plans are already in motion to protect the integrity of their academic programs.”

Students should monitor the www.yorku.ca Web site for updates.

Senate policies for remediation and accommodation can be seen here and in FAQ format at the the Division of Students’ Labour Disruption page.