Professors walk off their jobs at Brandon University, Manitoba; all classes canceled

More than 200 members of the Brandon University Faculty Association began strike action at Brandon University at 8 a.m. local time.

The union says members voted 84 per cent earlier this month to strike.

"It is regrettable that BUFA (Brandon University Faculty Association) has had to take job action in an attempt to achieve a fair and equitable agreement with the employer," said BUFA spokesman Joe Dulecki.

"Unfortunately, the employer - who had requested conciliation - chose to squander this opportunity to resolve the issues between us," he said.

Scott Lamont, vice president of administration and finance at Brandon University, said the employer locked out all teachers and staff Monday because it would be difficult to have some classes open to students while others were not.

Brandon University enacts BUFA lock-out The Brandon University Administration is very much aware that when strike action occurs, it results in the uneven cancellation of classes. Students' schedules are disrupted, commuter students are significantly disadvantaged and some students may have most of their classes continue while others will not. Therefore, Brandon University has elected to lock-out all BUFA members effective immediately, and cancel all classes until further notice. This decision ensures that when classes resume, any accommodation that may be required to address lost days of study can be applied evenly and will take into account the needs of students in various programs. Brandon University will work expediently and diligently to resolve this labour dispute promptly. We are committed to ensuring that students will return to a campus that is as welcoming and collegial as the one they have come to appreciate. Please click here for more information.

There are 3,200 students at the university, located about 200 kilometres west of Winnipeg.