There is no impact to services and scheduled classes at this time. Mohawk College will be closed for the holidays beginning at the end of the day on Friday, December 20, 2024, reopening on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Is it just Mohawk College that is negotiating with faculty?
ANSWER: The negotiations affect all 24 public colleges in Ontario, including Mohawk College.
Will faculty go on strike?
ANSWER: For a full work stoppage to happen, the majority of Ontario’s college faculty must vote to give their union the option to call a “strike”. If the members vote “yes”, it does not mean a strike (partial or full work stoppage) will happen, but that it is a possibility. We remain hopeful that both sides will reach an agreement to avoid any work stoppage.
Please refer to the College Employer Council's website for additional questions related to strikes and bargaining between the colleges and the union representing faculty.
How will I know a strike (full work stoppage) has begun?
ANSWER: Mohawk College will immediately notify all students and employees that a full work stoppage has begun. Students will receive notification by email to both their Mohawk email account and personal email accounts. We will also post a notification to our website and on social media. This would also be widely covered by local media outlets.
Will classes be cancelled during a strike?
ANSWER: Classes would be suspended during a full work stoppage. If there is any disruption to a semester the college will do everything possible to ensure students have the opportunity to complete their semester.
Strikes can take many forms such as work-to-rule or partial work stoppages. In most cases, there would be minimal impact to students as a result of these actions.
Please refer to the College Employer Council's website for additional questions related to strikes and bargaining between the colleges and the union representing faculty.
Is the college closed during a strike?
ANSWER: All campuses will remain open during regular business hours and services will continue to be available to students including the David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre, computer labs and libraries.
Should I be concerned about violence during a strike?
ANSWER: Strikes in Canada are generally peaceful and do not involve violence or threats of violence. We respect the right of union members to participate in a strike and expect all parties to show respect for each other before, during and after any strike action. If a full work stoppage were to occur there would be protocols in place to ensure anyone entering or leaving a campus can safely cross a picket line.
How long would a strike (full work stoppage) last?
ANSWER: Please refer to the College Employer Council's website for questions related to strikes and bargaining between the colleges and the union representing faculty.
Will students lose their semester?
ANSWER: No student has ever lost their year due to a strike. There is the potential that a semester could be interrupted and/or extended if the union decides to walk out. If there is any disruption to a semester the college will do everything possible to ensure students have the opportunity to complete their semester. Please refer to the College Employer Council's website for additional questions related to strikes and bargaining between the colleges and the union representing faculty.
Will a strike impact my OSAP payments?
ANSWER: We anticipate that OSAP payments will proceed as normal.
International Students
If there is a strike, will it impact my study permit or student status?
ANSWER: Your study permit remains active and valid if there is a strike. You will not face a penalty because you cannot continue your studies during a strike.
If there is a strike, will it impact my Post-Graduate Work Permit application?
ANSWER: PGWP eligibility is based on your status and program completion, a strike will not impact your eligibility for your PGWP. If a strike were to happen, we will do everything we can to ensure you are not disadvantaged by it and that you have the opportunity to complete your academic year.
For more information visit: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1367&top=15
For additional questions, please refer to the College Employer Council's Student FAQs website.