We stand in solidarity with the faculty, staff, and students at Laurentian University.
Two months ago, Laurentian University announced it was seeking to file for insolvency protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). Already struggling due to years of underfunding by the province and financial mismanagement by the Board of Directors, Laurentian was thrown into a financial crisis when the pandemic hit.
On April 12, 110 academic staff lost their jobs and 69 programs are being cut. Two days later, faculty had to ratify a collective agreement that will see salaries reduced, teaching loads increased, and forced furlough days. Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) president, Fabrice Colin, said “it was a vote under duress” because members were told the university would close if the union didn’t vote in favour of the tentative contract.
The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) called for the resignations of Laurentian’s senior leadership and Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano for their roles in creating the financial crisis. There have been statements of solidarity and calls to action by the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT), Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), OPSEU/SEFPO, and many more.
We encourage you to show your solidarity and take action:
OPSEU – #SaveLU
CUPE – Tell Doug Ford to save Laurentian University
OFL – Demand Funding to Save Laurentian