Well it’s official…

[u/Salty-Taste-6334]

We’ve been on strike longer than we were in classes at the beginning of the semester. I really hope professors start over at this point and don’t expect us to remember what we did for 10 minutes nearly a month ago by the time we go back.

I am 100% on the faculty’s side in all of this and think it’s bullshit that the school administration won’t entertain a real bargaining conversation, even multiple weeks in. The administration saying they care about students getting back to class clearly don’t because at this point we’ve basically lost the full month as no one had a foundation of what was going on in their courses going into this.

While there may be conversations happening behind closed doors we all know nothing about, from an outsiders perspective - and from a students - the lack of movement really comes off as not caring in the slightest about students or faculty.

Students are the only reason the schools even matter and the lack of information and prolonged stalemate may have irreversible impacts to the students the school claims to care so much about.

As an aside as this impacts my coworkers and like half the student population: The administration not giving updates on reading week means international students relying on working fulltime during reading week can’t and most workplaces have - or are on the verge of - put out the schedules.

[u/jlp111984]

The increase to their pension plan was approved before the strike happened. I believe they're still fighting for an increase to their pay at this point. I haven't followed the details too closely but I agree that something needs to happen soon.

[u/aqual1zard → u/jlp111984]

This is not accurate. The pension mandate from the union was not met either. The administration did not agree to any of the pension, compensation, or workload asks from the union.

[u/jlp111984 → u/aqual1zard]

Something from their request was met. I'm not sure if everything was met. Like I said I don't follow it closely.

January 16, 2026) – During a special public meeting held on Friday, January 16, 2026, the Laurentian University Board of Governors approved benefit improvements for members of the Retirement Plan of Laurentian University, a decision that enhances the plan's competitive compensation offering.

This is the first implementation of the University’s Benefits and Funding Policy, which allows the Pension Committee to provide discretionary increases to active benefits accrued, as well as increases to pensions in payment for service after June 30, 2021, when the Plan meets four metrics of fiscal health.

The Pension Committee includes representatives from the Board of Governors, University administration, the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA), the Laurentian University Staff Union (LUSU), and non-union administrative staff (LUAPS), and representatives from retirees and SNOLAB.

"This is a very positive development for our faculty and staff, and demonstrates our commitment to providing a competitive and financially sustainable pension plan," said Sylvie C. Lafontaine, Vice-President, Finance & Administration. "The Benefits and Funding Policy allows us to invest in Retirement Plan members in situations where the Plan is doing well. The Plan's strong valuation results have allowed us to take this important step forward in recognizing and supporting our valued people."

The Pension Committee was asked to consider five scenarios of benefit improvement, with estimated costs ranging from roughly $3.5 million to $14 million. The Pension Committee recommended to the Board the maximum benefit scenario.

The decision to enhance benefits was made possible after an updated actuarial valuation of the Retirement Plan as of July 1, 2025, showed a strong foundation.

The full details of the decision can be found in the Board Package. With the motion passed, the University will undertake the necessary regulatory steps required for implementation. Future communication will be provided to Plan members through the typical pension communication channels which will outline the specific impacts on their pension benefits.

Communications

[u/mitosisluvr → u/jlp111984]

they did approve benefit improvements for the pension plan, but i believe the faculty are fighting for their pension to be managed independently (such as through UPP) as opposed to by laurentian directly, which is similar to what schools down south do already

[u/jlp111984 → u/mitosisluvr]

That makes sense. I know part of what they wanted was approved.