TENTATIVE DEAL: Classes resume Monday at Nipissing University

A tentative deal has been reached between Nipissing University and the Nipissing University Faculty Association, ending a nearly four week strike at the post-secondary school.

Classes are set to resume on Monday.

University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike DeGagne says the exploratory talks that took place Wednesday with the faculty and provincially-appointed mediator really kicked started the process that led to the deal.

The agreement is subject to ratification by the faculty and the University’s Board of Governors.

DeGagne says the Board of Governors will vote tomorrow (Friday) while the faculty are expected to hold a ratification vote on Sunday.

Further details on the contract will be made public once these votes have taken place.

The strike began November 2nd.

Meantime, the Nipissing University Student Union is happy the strike has come to an end, but officials say there has been an impact on the students.

NUSU President Ian Hall explains.

NUSU, meantime, will be working to draft and implement academic relief measures to help minimize damage to students.

Pointing precedent being set after the York University strike, Hall says it could include providing alternatives to exams, pro-rating classes or honourably withdrawing from courses at later dates.

He says it’s very tentative at this point.

Meantime, MPP Vic Fedeli issued a statement, “News of a tentative agreement between Nipissing University and its faculty aimed at ending the nearly four-week strike is indeed welcome, and is a relief to students, parents and the community at large. I want to thank so many members in our community for their persistent and vocal efforts to push for a negotiated settlement to this dispute. While this deal still needs to be ratified, I’m encouraged by the prospect of students being able to return to class soon. I will continue to press the provincial government on the need for labour peace at Ontario Northland, and proper ongoing funding support for North Bay Regional Health Centre.”