Search Western University
Quick Links:
IUOE Local 772
Operating engineers ratify tentative agreement – October 16, 2023
Western University and its operating engineers (IUOE Local 772) have reached a tentative agreement, which was ratified by members in a vote this afternoon.
Western’s Board of Governors will vote later this week on the agreement.
IUOE Local 772 on Strike – October 12, 2023
After a tentative agreement was reached between the university and its operating engineers (IUOE Local 772), union members have voted not to ratify that agreement and are on strike as of 12:01 a.m. on October 12.
All undergraduate and graduate classes and exams will continue as normal. Western University remains open for all other activities as usual.
While significant problems aren’t anticipated, you should still allow extra time coming to or leaving campus whether you’re walking, biking, or driving.
We are working to minimize any disruptions that may be caused by this labour action so students can continue having a positive and productive learning experience.
All campus services – including classes, labs, research, libraries and student services – are operating normally. Dates and deadlines for mid-terms and assignments remain the same.
Students, staff and visitors can find updates on the Contract Negotiations website and on Western's Facebook and Twitter channels.
Transit Services
London Transit buses will not enter campus but instead will have new and additional stops on the periphery of main campus. Buses will not stop in front of University Hospital. Current LTC route information is available.
Paratransit will be unaffected. Shuttle services between Western and the Affiliated University Colleges will run during a strike.
Picketers
People working or studying at Western can expect picketers to be posted at several entrances to main campus. They will not be located on campus or at building entrances, and they are not allowed to prevent anyone’s access to campus. We would urge people to be courteous and patient if IUOE members exercise their legal right to picket and provide information.
In the event of a labour protest, you should know the following about 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
IUOE 772 is on strike as of Thursday, October 12.
Currently, all Western services continue as normal, including classes, courses, deadlines, and research.
While significant problems aren’t anticipated, you should still allow extra time coming to or leaving campus whether you’re walking, biking, or driving.
During a labour disruption, London Transit Commission 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 as normal during a labour disruption, and LTC buses would travel to London Health Sciences Centre (University Hospital site). Current LTC route information is available here. Paratransit would be unaffected. Shuttle services between Western and the Affiliated University Colleges continue to run during a strike.
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.
While significant problems aren’t anticipated, you should still allow extra time coming to or leaving campus whether you’re walking, biking, or driving.
All faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants and post-doctoral scholars are expected to be at work as usual. Libraries, residences, student services and intercollegiate athletics and intramural sports will continue to operate as normal.
Updates will be posted on the Contract Negotiations site. Students, staff, and faculty will receive updates on significant developments to their Western email accounts.
Classes at Brescia, Huron and King’s university colleges also continue. Shuttle services between Western and the Affiliated University Colleges continue to run during a strike.
Allow extra time coming to or leaving campus whether you’re walking, biking, or driving.
Courses offered by Western Continuing Studies, ASPirE, Western English Language Centre, and other continuing education units at Western will continue as normal.
All appointments at the following Western clinics are continuing to run as normal:
Schulich Dental Clinic (including the Emergency Dental Clinic)
Robarts Research Institute
Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic
H.A. Leeper Hearing Clinic
Community Legal Services Clinic
Child and Youth Development Clinic
Patients/clients are encouraged to give themselves extra time as they may be delayed slightly when coming on to campus. London Transit Commission (LTC) buses will not enter campus but instead will have new and additional stops on the periphery of main campus. Buses will not stop in front of University Hospital. Current LTC route information is available here. Paratransit will be unaffected.
No. All activities at the Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre, including programming delivered through the Ivey Academy is continuing as normal. Visitors to Ivey Spencer are encouraged to give themselves extra time as they may be delayed slightly when coming into the Centre.
Information For: