Members of the Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa (APUO) voted 80.9% in favour of a strike mandate as negotiations with the university administration continue.

The association representing 1,335 full-time professors, librarians, language teachers, and continuing special appointment professors, could go on its first ever strike as early as the beginning of February.

According to an APUO statement, members “will not settle for anything less than a fair deal that prioritizes high-quality education and research, sustainable workloads, and democratic decision-making.”

In bargaining, the union also proposes improvements for equity-deserving groups, protections for members’ rights, and fair compensation.

The union’s collective agreement expired in April. Both parties have agreed to meet with a conciliator on January 15, 16 and 17.