Q: How will the labour disruption impact the students working on campus who I supervise?
If you are a non-MUNFA member, your student staff can report to work as usual. If they are not comfortable crossing the picket line, we encourage supervisors to work with their student staff to explore options such as independent projects, etc.
If you are a MUNFA member, and your student can complete their work or an independent project, or a non-MUNFA co-supervisor is in place, the students can continue working their campus employment position.
If your student employee requires direct supervision by you, there would be an interruption in their employment. Please note that once a resolution to the labour disruption is found, we will work with supervisors to help students complete their hours. If your student finds themselves in this position, please have them reach out to ask@mun.ca.
Q: Is it legal to cross a picket line?
Students, staff and visitors can cross the picket line. Memorial encourages you to exercise patience and caution in crossing any picket line. All parties, including employees on strike and individuals crossing the picket line, are responsible for refraining from disrespectful (and potentially illegal) behavior.
For more information on crossing a picket line, visit Tips for safely crossing a picket line.
Q: Do I have to come to work if faculty or instructors go on strike?
Yes, all employees who hold positions that are outside of a striking bargaining unit are expected to come to work in those positions as usual
Q: What is the expectation for non-impacted staff?
During a labour disruption, all employees who hold positions that are outside of a striking bargaining unit are expected to come to work in those positions as usual. The types of leave available to employees are described in collective agreements or in the relevant employee guide. If an employee is unable to report to work for any reason, they are expected to notify their immediate supervisor or unit head at the earliest opportunity. An employee absent from work without approved leave will not receive salary for the period involved and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Q: Can I transition to a remote work arrangement during a strike?
Current employee work arrangements will be maintained, with the exception of per course instructors (PCIs) who can request to pivot their course(s) to remote delivery for the duration of the strike.
Q: Where will I get the information during a strike on how it will impact me?
This website will contain all updates for all audiences in the event of a strike.
Urgent information will also be provided through the MUNSafe App. This free app can be downloaded through the App store.
Q: What should I do if I have problems crossing a picket line?
If you are involved in an incident while crossing a picket line, please report this to Campus Enforcement and Patrol at 709-637-6210, or for non-urgent matters use the report feature in the MUN Safe app.
Q: Will Grenfell buildings remain open?
Yes, but you may have to cross a picket line.
Q: What is the expectation for non-impacted staff?
During a labour disruption, all employees who hold positions that are outside of a striking bargaining unit are expected to come to work in those positions as usual. The types of leave available to employees are described in collective agreements or in the relevant employee guide. If an employee is unable to report to work for any reason, they are expected to notify their immediate supervisor or unit head at the earliest opportunity. An employee absent from work without approved leave will not receive salary for the period involved and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Q: I am a per-course instructor this semester. In the event of labour action, can I transition my on-campus course to remote delivery?
During job action by MUNFA members, per course instructors (PCIs) who teach their course(s) on campus this semester can request to pivot to remote delivery. This request should be initiated by the PCI and submitted to their unit head. Upon approval from the unit head the PCI can pivot to remote delivery for the duration of the job action (should job action occur during the winter semester). Further information to come on the timelines for these requests.
Q: I'm a post-doctoral researcher. Will I still get paid if there is a strike?
If job action occurs, post-doctoral researchers employed at Memorial will continue to be paid up until the normal end date of their contract.
Q: Can Memorial employees who are not members of MUNFA join a picket line?
Memorial employees who are not members of MUNFA are permitted to join a picket line as long as it happens outside of working hours (including paid lunch hours).
At the university those employees with paid lunch hours, as defined in their collective agreements, include members of NAPE 7801, 7803/1804 and 7804/1809. The purpose of the paid lunch hours is to be available to respond during their break in the event of a life safety or maintenance emergency.
Q: In the event of an emergency on campus during a labour disruption, will emergency response be impacted?
Emergency response including fire, medical, elevator entrapment, etc. would not be impacted by labour action.
Q: I am feeling anxious and uncertain at this time. Are there any resources available to help me?
Feeling stress and uncertainty during this time is understandable. The university encourages employees feeling stress to avail of resources such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP by LifeWorks (formerly known as Morneau Shepell), is a comprehensive, confidential service available to Memorial employees, retirees and their immediate family members (provided they are also covered under the university's health plan) at no cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For a detailed listing of mental health supports available including urgent contact information, please consult Memorial’s Mental Health Toolbox.