The Laurentian University campus in Sudbury is busy with classes and other activities, but that could change later this month. Negotiations between the school and the union representing about 700 faculty members have hit a snag. “A strike at this point is a definite possibility, especially if important matters cannot even be negotiated at the table,” said Fabrice Colin, president of the Laurentian University Faculty Association. The two sides had been meeting to hammer out a new collective agreement. However, on Dec 29, the Ministry of Labour filed a no-board report. That signals there’s an impasse between the two sides and it triggered a 17-day countdown to a strike deadline. According to Colin, the big issue is connected to pensions. LUFA members want their pension switched. “They wish to see our pension plan out of the administration’s hands,” he said. “They wish to move to a jointly sponsored pension plan and right now the exit loan agreement contains restrictions that would require the approval of the ministry, so the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.” In an email to CTV News, the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research, Excellence and Security said it’s “not a party in labour negotiations.” However, it is “monitoring the situation closely and remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first.” That’s despite a November 2025 Charter Challenge issued by LUFA arguing the restrictions within the 2022 loan agreement interfere with free collective bargaining. That loan helped Laurentian to improved some of its financial troubles. “Given all the sacrifices the members during the CCAA, all the extra work to ensure the survival of the institution, they deserve a lot better,” Colin said. CTV attempted to speak to students on campus, but they either weren’t aware of the potential strike or didn’t have enough information to comment. The school did however, issue a detailed message to its community on Wednesday, which included the following statement: “The University remains dedicated to negotiating in good faith to find an agreement that is fair to LUFA members while protecting the long-term financial sustainability of the university.” LUFA members gave the union a 98 per cent strike mandate in November. Over the next week, the two sides will work with a provincial mediator to try to resolve outstanding issues before the Jan. 19 strike deadline. CTV News attempted to reach out to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for comment but did not hear back the deadline we specified.
