CUPE 1393: Strike Deadline 12:01 am September 8, 2013
Students and Graduate Students: Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Windsor will remain open and classes will continue during a CUPE 1393 work stoppage that will begin at 12:01 AM on Sunday, September 8. The University and CUPE 1393 were unable to come to an agreement before the strike deadline. CUPE 1393 represents 281 technical, trades and professional staff at the University of Windsor.
Any disruption to the campus immediately impacts students, as well as faculty, staff, and the community so the university will be doing everything it can to minimize the disruption.
Please review the following frequently asked questions and if you have a concern that is not addressed here, use the “Ask a Question” function on this site to receive an answer. This page will be continually updated with any new information that becomes available and popular questions that are received.
General Information:
Are picket lines legal?
CUPE 1393 has the right to form a picket line during a legal strike as long as it is not on University property. It is likely that pickets would be located at the entrances to the campus and at parking lots. Picketers may communicate information to try to dissuade you from crossing the picket line. Remember you have the legal right to continue to come to campus and use all University services during a strike. Picket lines must keep moving and allow free passage of non-striking individuals, in and out. There will, however, likely be some delays so be sure to plan your time accordingly. It is illegal for pickets to use threats, force, or to physically block the way.
Are students who work on campus expected to cross the picket line?
Yes. Students are encouraged to check with their individual supervisors regarding working hours as there may be limited service in areas where students are employed.
How will students be kept informed?
Please check this Web site on a daily basis for more information. Changes to normal operations will be communicated to all students through e-mail.
Effect on Academic Life:
Will classes be affected by the work stoppage?
Classes will still be held. Should there be any disruption to classes, your faculty will provide further information as to how these matters will be addressed.
How will this affect the academic term, specifically will this set anyone back from graduating?
The University will do everything in its power to ensure that students are able to complete the semester successfully.
Will students be expected to cross the picket line?
Students have the legal right to continue to come to campus, attend any scheduled classes and use all University services during a strike.
What happens if I refuse to cross a picket line to attend class?
In the event of a CUPE 1393 strike, the University will remain open and classes will still be scheduled. Should students choose not to attend, they will need to work out what the consequences of those actions will be with each instructor.
Will it still be possible to register for Winter courses?
Yes, it will still be possible to register for Winter courses.
Will the strike prevent students from fulfilling requirements associated with the requirements of a professional body?
Strikes have occurred at other universities and at this University in the past. These strikes have never had an impact on professional accreditation.
Can classes be moved off campus during a strike?
No. The location of university courses cannot be moved off campus during a work stoppage.
Effect on Student Financial Affairs:
The Student Awards
and Financial Aid office will remain open during the strike. Should it
be necessary to limit service hours, information will be posted on our
website at uwindsor.ca/awards.
Will OSAP funding still be available to me?
All of the usual Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) application
and appeal services are still available through the OSAP Web site at
osap.gov.on.ca
and the Student
Awards & Financial Aid Office. Students will continue to have access to
funding. Electronic funds deposits will continue to occur as student's
eligibility is determined.
Can students expect any type of refund?
The University will not make refunds. We remain committed to successfully finalizing the negotiation between CUPE 1393 and the University. Our intention is to honour our commitments to students in such a way that they receive the full value of the tuition and fees they have paid.
Will I be able to pay my fees?
The Cashiers’ Office will remain open during the strike with limited hours, please check their website for updates: http://www.uwindsor.ca/cashiers/. We encourage the use of electronic on-line payment methods.
Will there be any changes made to the fee payment policies, deadlines, and charges?
All fee payment policies, deadlines, and charges remain in effect during any work stoppage.
Will I receive my refund cheque for monies owed to me?
Student refund cheques will continue to be processed during the work stoppage. All efforts will be made to continue processing the refunds on a timely basis.
Campus Services:
Will campus parking lots be open?
All parking lots will be open, but users may experience delays due to picketing. Please check the parking website for further details: http://www.uwindsor.ca/parking/ Give yourself plenty of extra time to find parking during this period.
Employees and students should be aware that they have the legal right to continue to come to campus for the purposes of work. Picket lines must keep moving and allow free passage of non-striking individuals. It is illegal for pickets to use threats, force, or to physically block the way. Please report any incidence of illegal behaviour immediately to the Dispatch Desk at Campus Community Police at 519-253-3000, ext. 1234.
Will parking be enforced across campus?
The parking office will operate as usual. Parking enforcement officers will be patrolling the lots and issuing parking tickets as required.
Who do I call in an emergency?
The Dispatch Desk at Campus Community Police can take your call: 519-253-3000, ext. 1234.
Are the safety measures on campus still in operation?
Yes, Campus Community Police is not part of the work stoppage. All of the automatic systems such as UWindsor Alert, surveillance cameras and electronic locks are all still in operation.
Will there be mail services on campus?
Intra-university mail will be available; however there will not be any service from Canada Post or courier services.
Will there be food services available?
Yes, food services across campus will operate as usual. Any changes will be posted on this website: www.uwindsor.ca/food.
Will IT services be available?
Yes, IT services will continue to maintain operations but all new projects and development activities will be temporarily suspended. The HelpDesk will operate reduced hours of service and the users may experience delay in response time. More information to come.
Will computing labs and services be affected by a strike?
Campus computing labs will continue to remain open. The University Computer Centre will close for the duration of the strike.
Will the Library be open?
Both the Leddy Library and the Paul Martin Law Library will remain open for patrons.
Will Document Imagining be available?
Yes, Document Imagining will be operating with their normal hours.
Will the Bookstore remain open?
Yes, the bookstore will be operating with their normal hours. Any changes will be posted on this website: www.uwindsor.ca/bookstore.
How will the services at the St. Denis Centre be effected?
The Forge Fitness Centre will close. The St. Denis Centre pool will close for the duration of the strike. The programs offered by Campus Recreation will be cancelled for the duration of the strike, which includes all intramurals, fitness and instructional programming. Exclusive of the Forge and the pool, every effort will be made to maintain the regular operating hours of the St. Denis Centre. For more information visit www.golancers.ca.
Will transportation services be available?
Yes, transportation services will be available, including deliveries and transportation for those with disabilities.
Will I be able to get a replacement Uwin Card?
Yes, the UwinCard office will remain open.
Will public events and ceremonies continue during a strike?
Any planned public events will be reviewed individually. Groups and individuals will be contacted if any changes occur.
Student-Specific Services:
Will students in residence be affected?
Residence and dining services will operate as usual. Any changes will be posted on these websites: www.uwindsor.ca/food and www.uwindsor.ca/residence
Will custodial services in residence be affected?
Our expectation is that custodians will carry out their regular duties.
Will Student Health Services and the Student Counseling Centre open?
Yes, Student Health Services and the Student Counseling Centre will remain open.
Will the Centre for English Language Development be open?
Yes, the Centre for English Language Development will remain open. Please visit their website for detailed information. http://www1.uwindsor.ca/celd/
The following student services may experience limited hours of operation or will offer a reduced number of services. Please check their individual websites for further details:
Will the Student Advising Centre be open?
No, this centre will close for the duration of the strike.
Will the Aboriginal Education Centre be open?
No, this centre will close for the duration of the strike.
Will UWSA, OPUS and GSS services be affected by a strike?
Please contact the appropriate student government office for further information.
GSS http://www.gss.uwindsor.ca/index.php
OPUS http://www.uwindsor.ca/opus
UWSA http://uwsa.ca/
