McGill University law professors set up picket lines on Thursday, prompting the cancellation of classes during the first week of the fall semester.
Kirsten Anker, a law professor and vice-president of the union, participated in the protest outside the law school building on the university’s downtown campus. McGill confirmed that 67 classes have been cancelled so far, and Mme Anker warned that the indefinite strike involving more than 40 teachers will continue until the administration returns to the negotiating table.
She explained that the McGill Law Professors Association is fighting for the right to unionize, better salaries and a greater say in the governance of the university.
Mme Anker added that the union has agreed to let an arbitrator decide on the pay increases. Professors will return to work, she said, if the university stops trying to decertify the union. McGill is challenging the union’s certification in Quebec Superior Court.
“Now we have reached something much more fundamental, because they are questioning our right to exist as a union,” Mr.me Anker in an interview, adding that McGill is deliberately dragging out the negotiation process until a hearing in Quebec Superior Court in December on the university’s challenge.
In the absence of regular classes, professors have organized open-air lectures on labor law issues.me Anker estimates that a total of 200 students showed up for the lectures Monday and Wednesday. Another one is planned for Friday morning outside the law school building.
Law professor Richard Janda testified Thursday that he was not always in favor of joining a union, but now serves as its secretary and chief negotiator. He reiterated that the two sides are at an impasse.
“As a professor who has worked here for over 30 years, it’s devastating to find myself in this situation,” he said. “I never imagined I would be picketing in front of my own faculty.”
Janda observed that McGill’s administration has increasingly centralized decision-making over the years and prevents faculty from having a say in governance matters, including the selection of the dean, an approach he said tarnishes the university’s reputation.
Law student Casey Broughton, 25, is entering her fourth year, but she came to show her support for the union and join the picket line alongside her professors.me Broughton says the class cancellations are frustrating, but she doesn’t blame union members.
“I am more concerned about the future of my colleagues, the future of the university, than missing a few classes,” she said, adding that she hopes classes will resume soon. “The learning conditions of our students are directly affected by the working conditions and contracts of our professors.”
McGill University told The Canadian Press Wednesday that the union notified it Sunday evening. It added that an arbitrator was appointed on Aug. 22. “McGill has acted in good faith throughout the process and looks forward to reaching a fair collective agreement,” it said in a statement.
“The university will do everything in its power to minimize the impact on students and we reiterate our respect for our valued colleagues at the law school,” she pledged.