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CASBU Bargaining Updates

Nipissing University & CASBU Reach Tentative Agreement; Strike Averted 

Friday, January 30, 2026

Dear members of the Nipissing University community, 

We are pleased to share that following a mediation session today, Nipissing University and the Contract Academic Staff Bargaining Unit (CASBU) have reached a tentative agreement.  As a result, a strike has been averted and all classes will continue as scheduled on Monday with no disruption. 

We want to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of both bargaining teams and look forward to finalizing the agreement through ratification votes over the next few weeks.  

Sincerely, 

Dr. Carole Richardson
Provost and Vice-President, Academic 

and 

Laura Killam
Chief Negotiator, CASBU 

What You Need To Know About a Potential Part-Time Faculty Strike

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Dear members of the Nipissing University community,

As previously communicated, over the past several months, the University has been engaged in the collective bargaining process with the Contract Academic Staff Bargaining Unit (CASBU), with the goal of reaching a new collective agreement for part-time faculty.

Following three sessions with a conciliator to advance discussions, on January 16, CASBU requested a "no board report" from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, after an agreement had not been reached during conciliation, which means the parties will be in a legal strike or lockout position 17 days after the no board report was issued. As such, CASBU will be in a legal strike position on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Both parties have agreed to meet for mediation on Friday, January 30 to continue discussions with the goal of reaching an agreement prior to the strike deadline.

What’s next?

  • If an agreement is not met following mediation on Friday, January 30, it is possible that part-time faculty members may begin a legal strike on Monday, February 2. Please monitor your Nipissing email for updates on whether a strike will occur. The University remains committed to bargaining in good faith until a fair and reasonable agreement is reached.

How would a potential CASBU strike impact me?

  • The University’s priority is to minimize the impact of any labour disruption on students. If a strike does occur, students will receive information via their Nipissing email regarding any class cancellations or impacts to their program. 
  • The University and its facilities will remain open and operational. All support services will continue to function as usual unless otherwise communicated.
  • Picketing may occur at the North & South entrances to campus.  More information regarding picket line protocols will be shared if a strike moves ahead.
  • Bus service to and from campus will continue, however buses will not cross picket lines. Information regarding alternate pick-up and drop-off locations will be shared in the event of a strike.
  • All Nipissing employees who are not part of the Contract Academic Staff Bargaining Unit are expected to attend work as usual.

Where can I find more information?

  • A Collective Bargaining webpage with answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found at nipissingu.ca/collectivebargaining
  • Please continue to monitor your Nipissing email for important updates on the status of negotiations

FAQs

Collective Bargaining

What is being negotiated?

Nipissing University and the Contract Academic Staff Bargaining Unit (CASBU) are currently in negotiations to establish a new collective bargaining agreement for part-time faculty.

What is collective bargaining?

Collective bargaining is the negotiation process between a union and an employer. The goal of the negotiation is to reach a collective agreement. This is a written agreement that sets out the employment terms and conditions for unionized employees, as well as the rights, privileges and duties of the union, employer, and employees.

Some of the steps that may be part of the negotiation process include:

Source: Collective bargaining | ontario.ca

What is conciliation?

Conciliation is a process by which a conciliation officer is appointed by the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to meet with the union and the employer to attempt to conclude a collective agreement. In that meeting, the conciliation officer tries to help the union and the employer resolve their differences so they can reach a collective agreement.

Most parties must go through the conciliation process before engaging in a strike or lock-out or the next step in bargaining (for example, interest arbitration).

Source: Collective bargaining | ontario.ca

What is mediation?

After the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development issues a no-board notice, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development can provide further assistance to help the union and the employer reach an agreement and avoid a work stoppage, through mediation. Both parties must voluntarily agree to this assistance.

Often, the union and the employer discuss the possibility of mediation with the conciliation officer at the end of conciliation, if conciliation has ended without reaching an agreement. As well, a mediator will generally contact the union and the employer after the minister's notice has been released to offer assistance, whether or not mediation was discussed at the end of conciliation.

Source: Collective bargaining | ontario.ca

How long would a strike last?

The University is unable to predict how long a strike would last, but anticipates that it would continue until the parties are able to negotiate a settlement for a new collective agreement.

Student FAQs

How will I know if there is a strike or any type of labour action?

Nipissing University will notify you via your University email of any strike or labour action. Updates will also be posted on this website.

Will classes still run in the event of a strike?

The University’s priority is to minimize the impact of any labour disruption on students. You will receive information via your Nipissing email regarding any class cancellations or impacts to your program.

Will my co-op placement, internship, and/or clinical placements still run in the event of a strike?

The University’s priority is to minimize the impact of any labour disruption on students. You will receive information via your Nipissing email regarding any impact to co-op placements, internships, clinical placements, etc.

Will the University remain open during a strike?

Yes, the University and all of its facilities will remain open and operational. All support services will continue to function as usual unless otherwise communicated.

Who can I talk to if I’m feeling overwhelmed?

If you are student experiencing distress and require support, connect with Mental Health & Wellbeing. Mental Health & Wellbeing works to support all students in achieving positive mental and emotional wellness.

Email: mhwellbeing@nipissingu.ca
Phone:  705-474-3450 Ext: 4507, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm.
In-Person: B210, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you are in crisis or need support outside of office hours, visit www.nipissingu.ca/needhelpnow or call Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or 988 for suicide-related concerns.

Staff and Faculty FAQs

In the event of a strike, am I expected to report to work?

Yes, all Nipissing employees who are not part of the Contract Academic Staff Bargaining Unit are expected to attend work as usual.

​​​​​​​If I am approached by media for comment, what should I do?

Please direct any media inquiries to communications@nipissingu.ca.

Campus Services

Will buses still run if there is a strike?

Yes, bus service to and from the University will continue in the event of a strike, however buses will not cross picket lines. Information regarding alternate pick-up and drop-off locations will be shared in the event of a strike.

Will campus services be impacted?

Campus will remain open and operational. All services will continue to function as usual unless otherwise communicated.

Will regular meetings and events still take place?

Meetings, events, and other functions will be held as scheduled unless otherwise communicated.

​​​​​​​Will PD Day Camps still run?

Yes, PD Day Camps and other youth programming will continue as planned unless otherwise communicated.

Picket Lines

Will there be a picket line?

Picketing may take place at the North and South entrances to campus. More information regarding picket line protocols will be shared if a strike moves ahead.

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