The Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) is taking the Ontario government to court, arguing that a 2022 loan agreement with the university infringes on the constitutional right to free collective bargaining.
While the $35-million provincial loan agreement helped keep Laurentian afloat after its 2021 insolvency, it prohibits any pension changes until 2038. LUFA argues this clause prevents meaningful negotiations, undermining its ability to negotiate fair pension arrangements.
The insolvency process under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act also cut salaries and eliminated hundreds of jobs and academic programs.
LUFA members took to the picket lines last month to secure a fair contract, following months of negotiations to reach a collective agreement that ensures the conditions necessary for high-quality teaching and research, addresses increased workloads, and protects their pension plan.
CAUT and the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations have joined as intervenors in LUFA’s Charter challenge.
Editor’s note: The strike at Laurentian ended after publication of this story.
