“It is unfortunate that the Athabasca University Faculty Association voted against a Mediator’s recommendation for a possible settlement.
“This is a local bargaining issue between the university and the faculty association. My hope is that the leadership of the institution and the association can continue to negotiate and reach an equitable resolution for both sides and a strike can be averted.
“We share students’ concerns about academic delays that could result in the event of a strike and encourage both sides to get back to the bargaining table and focus on students.
“There have been a number of agreements between post-secondary institutions and their faculty associations, including at Mount Royal University, the University of Alberta, and following the unfortunate strike and interruption of studies at the University of Lethbridge.
“Looking to the other settlements, I am hopeful the two parties can work collaboratively towards a deal that is fair and reasonable.”