PSAC 610 - Frequently Asked Questions

Are Western’s Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) on strike?

Western Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) are on strike as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Contingency planning is in place to ensure there is no disruption to academic and research activities. Final exams will continue as scheduled.

Is there any impact on campus activities?

All campus activities ­– including exams, research, and student services – are operating normally. Dates and deadlines for assignments and final exams remain the same.

Does a labour disruption at Western affect London Transit Commission (LTC) buses, affiliated college shuttles or Paratransit?

In the event of a labour disruption at Western, London Transit buses do not enter Western property. That said, all regular bus stops on the roads surrounding campus (Western Road, Richmond Street, and Windermere Road) run normally during a labour disruption, and LTC buses travel to London Health Sciences Centre (University Hospital site). Shuttle services between Western and the Affiliated University Colleges and Paratransit are not affected by a labour disruption.

What should be expected regarding picket lines?

Picketers are legally permitted to:

• Carry signs stating the nature of their dispute;
• Speak to people entering the property about their concerns;
• Ask people entering the property to join the picket line.

However, picketers are not legally permitted to:

• Block entrances to the university;
• Use force, threats or threatening gestures;
• Construct barriers to block access to the university;
• Engage in unlawful behaviour;
• Picket on university property.

When passing through picket lines, you should:

• Be courteous if delayed or questioned by picketers;
• Avoid arguments and confrontations;
• If challenged, politely express your intention to exercise your legal right to enter campus;
• Contact Western Special Constable Service at 519-661-3300 should any safety concerns arise.

We ask you to allow extra time coming to or leaving campus whether you’re walking, biking, or driving.

Could a disruption delay graduation for fourth-year students?

Contingency planning is in place to ensure there is no disruption to academic and research activities, including convocation. 

How does a strike affect Graduate Teaching Assistants?

In the event of a strike, all Graduate Teaching Assistants are welcome to continue to fulfill their GTA duties – they have the legal right to do so, with the University’s permission. All GTAs are given the opportunity to declare if they wish to continue fulfilling their duties or go on strike. GTAs who opt to strike are reminded that their responsibilities as paid Graduate Teaching Assistants are separate from their responsibilities in any other student or employment commitment. The expectation is that their research and other employment work will continue.

Do employees outside PSAC 610 continue to work during a labour disruption?

All employees not in a striking bargaining unit are required to attend work as scheduled.

Who should come to work in the event of a labour disruption and what can be expected in terms of duties?

All staff who are not part of PSAC 610 are expected to be at work as usual. All university operations and programming will continue as normal.

What assistance is available for me to help cope with workplace issues during a strike?

Please speak to your supervisor if you are having any issues that are related to the strike. The FAQ page includes helpful information on being prepared when coming to campus and while crossing picket lines in the event of a strike.

Does the strike affect affiliate colleges?

No, classes and exams at Brescia, Huron and King’s university colleges will also continue as scheduled.

Will non-degree credit courses continue to be offered?

Courses offered by Western Continuing Studies, ASPirE, Western English Language Centre, and other continuing education units at Western will continue as normal.

Are patient appointments at the Schulich Dental Clinic, Robarts Research Institute or Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic be impacted?

All clinics at the university are open and appointments will continue as scheduled. Patients are encouraged to give themselves extra time as they may be delayed slightly when coming on to campus.

Please note that during a labour disruption London Transit buses do not enter Western property. That said, all regular bus stops on the roads surrounding campus (Western Road, Richmond Street, and Windermere Road) run normally during a labour disruption, and LTC buses travel to London Health Sciences Centre (University Hospital site).

When did the last contract expire and when did negotiations start?

Graduate teaching assistants are working under terms of a contract that ended on August 31, 2023. Negotiations began on October 30, 2023 and will continue with the goal of achieving a tentative agreement.

How can I stay informed on what is happening regarding contract negotiations?

Updates will be posted on the Contract Negotiations site. Significant updates will be shared on Western’s social media channels. Students, staff and faculty will also receive updates to their Western email accounts.