Here are some common questions and answers to help you be prepared.
Academic and Course-Related Questions
The majority of Saint Mary’s University courses continue in their original delivery mode (e.g. in-person or online). Generally, classes taught by part-time faculty are paused and some supporting courses taught by full-time faculty may be affected. See the list of affected courses.
An announcement will be posted on each course’s Brightspace page to communicate whether the course is affected by the strike. A list of affected courses is posted on the university website, as well as signage placed on classroom doors of affected classes.
The academic term continues as scheduled.
No. Full-time faculty are not permitted to take on the work of striking, part-time faculty, as they are members of different unions under different collective agreements.
No. During a strike, the striking union members stop all university-related work; they do not hold office hours, teach, grade, or reply to student emails. You can reach out to your Academic Advisors, and/or Department Chairpersons or Program Coordinators to help answer your questions about courses.
Co-op work terms continue as usual.
Campus and Service-Related Questions
Yes. The university campus, including administrative offices, academic advising offices, library, residences, and food services remain open and operational.
Yes. All student services such as academic advising, mental health, Black and Indigenous Student Advisors and the library are operating as normal. The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility is operating as usual.
General Information and Status Update
Yes. The university has received official notice of CUPE 3912 part-time faculty members’ intention to strike as of October 23.
The status of a strike is subject to ongoing negotiations and legal requirements. Staff and faculty should rely only on official communications from Saint Mary's University administration for confirmation of a legal strike and its commencement date.
Yes, Saint Mary's University remains open during the strike by part-time faculty. Full-time faculty, and staff are expected to report to work and perform their regular duties.
Work Duties
Your primary responsibility is to continue performing your regular duties as outlined in your job description and/or collective agreement. This includes:
No. Non-striking employees cannot be required to perform work normally done by striking employees.
No. Pay for teaching assistants will continue during the strike.
Yes – but only outside of your regular working hours and responsibilities.
Do not make unilateral changes to your own course schedule, delivery method, assignments, or grading schemes in anticipation of or during a strike. Follow your Dean's or Department Chairperson's instructions and maintain your scheduled classes and office hours in their original delivery mode.
CUPE 3912 part-time faculty members do not receive pay from the university for the duration of the strike period. Pay will resume once work duties recommence following the end of the strike.
CUPE 3912 part-time faculty members do not have access to campus during a strike. However, members who are also students or employees in non-CUPE positions, or who have other reasons for being on campus unrelated to their unionized duties, continue to access campus facilities as appropriate.
Yes. Many CUPE 3912 part-time faculty members retain their SMU email access.
Yes. All students, including those who hold CUPE positions, are expected to attend their classes and exams as scheduled. Your student status is separate from your CUPE 3912 employment.
Yes. If you hold another role at the university that is outside the CUPE 3912 – Part-time Faculty bargaining unit, you should continue your regular work in that position during the strike period.