The Laurentian University Staff Union (LUSU) and Laurentian University have reached a tentative collective agreement.
Members of LUSU will soon have the opportunity to vote for ratification of the tentative agreement. The LUSU bargaining team unanimously recommends ratification.
“This tentative agreement is great news for our employees and the entire Laurentian community. I want to thank our partners at LUSU for their hard work and cooperation as well as the administrative bargaining team for their support throughout this process,” said Laurentian president Lynn Wells, in a press release issued June 29.
As outlined in the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, Laurentian University identified four strategic directions to guide decision making. One of these directions is defined as “Valuing and Supporting Our People” and we’re proud to put that direction into action.”
"This is a positive sign, indicating that Laurentian's leadership is demonstrating a commitment to reinvesting in its most valuable asset: its employees,” said LUSU president Tom Fenske, in the press release.
If ratified, the three-year agreement would remain in effect until June 30, 2027.
LUSU represents approximately 230 staff members at Laurentian University.
The staff union’s previous collective agreement was signed in 2020. With Laurentian telling the union it was facing financial troubles, LUSU entered negotiations one year early, and offered a number of concessions.
This included a salary cut that allowed the university to save $1.8 million and the union cutting Laurentian a $450,000 cheque to prevent members from having to take furlough days.
However, it was later revealed that Laurentian was already contemplating entering creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (or CCAA) at that point.
Fenske said this situation left his members feeling “betrayed.” In an interview this spring, Fenske said with Laurentian now being in a good financial position following its 2021-2022 insolvency restructuring, it was time for the university to give back.