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McGill Law Professors Strike, Disrupting Fall Semester

On Thursday, law professors at McGill University took to the picket line, resulting in the cancellation of classes during the initial week of the fall semester. The protest, involving over 40 faculty members, is an unlimited strike aimed at prompting the university to resume negotiations.

Kirsten Anker, a law professor and the vice-president of the union, stated that the current strike has led to the cancellation of 45 classes. The Association of McGill Professors of Law, representing the university’s full-time law faculty, is advocating for improved working conditions, particularly the right to unionize, better compensation, and a greater role in university governance.

According to Anker, the university is contesting the legitimacy of the union and is reportedly prolonging the bargaining process. This delay is strategically timed with upcoming court proceedings in December, where a Quebec Superior Court will consider McGill’s challenge to the union’s certification from 2022.

Faculty Voice Concerns

Another law professor, Richard Janda, expressed that his initial hesitation to support unionization stemmed from a belief in self-governance. However, he felt compelled to join the union due to ongoing issues that prevent faculty from participating in governance matters effectively.

Amid these disruptions, law student Casey Broughton, 25, joined her professors in solidarity at the picket line. Broughton acknowledged that while the situation is challenging for students, she believes that supporting the faculty is paramount, even at the cost of missing classes.

As of now, McGill University has not provided an immediate comment regarding the strike’s impact. However, earlier statements from the administration indicated an effort to mitigate disruptions to students while negotiations are underway.

Updates on the Situation

As the strike continues, the outcome of ongoing negotiations will be pivotal for both the faculty and students at McGill University. Stakeholders remain attentive to developments that may affect the academic calendar and faculty governance at this prominent institution.

Source
globalnews.ca