Students, staff return to classes at York University

Last Updated: Monday, February 2, 2009 7:09 AM ET Comments21Recommend11

CBC News Almost 50,000 students will return to classes at Canada's third-largest university Monday following a contentious 12-week strike by teaching staff ended only by provincial legislation last week.

Almost 3,300 teaching, graduate and research assistants and contract professors at York University walked off the job Nov. 6, demanding improved job security for contract staff, among several other issues. The school immediately suspended most academic activities, keeping students out of class.

The Ontario government passed legislation Thursday requiring teaching staff to return. The vote passed by a margin of 61-8, with only NDP members voting against it.
The government bill calls for the two sides to appoint a mediator within five days of the legislation passing, or the government will select one.

The union representing the striking staff, Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3903, has voiced its discontent with the bill, saying it takes away the union's bargaining rights.

Last week, the union threatened legal action against the government if it passed the legislation, but later changed its tune, saying it wanted to help get students back in classes. The union maintains the issues at the core of the dispute still haven't been resolved.

Last week, about 5,000 students were able to attend courses taught by tenured professors under a special deal with the university. Classes will now be extended by about a month to June 2 because of the strike.