Faculty at Western University overwhelmingly approve strike mandate

Entrance to London, Ont.'s Western University, as seen on Oct. 3, 2022. (Daryl Newcombe./CTV News London)

Members of the faculty association at Western University are ratcheting up the pressure on contract talks later this week.

“We are pleased to report that 91 per cent of ballots cast were YES votes, in support of the UWOFA [University of Western Ontario Faculty Association] Board of Directors authorizing strike action if necessary,” reads a statement.

Votes were cast between Sept. 26 and 30.

Last month, the faculty association told members that university administration has said no to 20 of 55 proposals made at the bargaining table.

Three other proposals by UWOFA were deemed to be constrained by Bill 124 — provincial public sector wage increase limits — and another 20 had not received a response before voting began.

The UWOFA statement adds, “This strong show of support will certainly strengthen our Negotiating Team’s ability to bargain better provisions for reward and recognition of faculty effort, equitable workloads, health and wellness, and job security, as they return to the table with our Employer.”

Both sides will hold their next round of negotiations on Oct. 4 to 6.