Members of the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) voted on February 8 to approve a three‑year contract, with 74% in favour. The university’s board of governors ratified the agreement the following day.
The agreement includes a 4.25% annual salary increase and bonuses for full‑time employees. Lecturer salaries will rise 4% in years one and two, and 2% in year three.
The settlement comes months after the board approved 11% pay hikes for senior administrators at a special in-camera meeting, without notifying LUFA and the Laurentian University Staff Union.
Throughout bargaining, LUFA emphasized making gains after Laurentian’s 2021 insolvency under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, which triggered salary cuts and the loss of hundreds of jobs and programs.
A three‑week strike secured wage gains, but the administration refused to amend the pension plan, citing the terms of a $35 million loan agreement that prohibits pension changes until 2038.
LUFA is now challenging the loan agreement in court, arguing it violates the constitutional right to free collective bargaining. Members have also issued votes of no confidence in the board and senior administration, calling for resignations.
Both CAUT and the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations have applied to intervene in LUFA’s court challenge.
