University of Manitoba, faculty union reach tentative deal; ratification vote tonight

The University of Manitoba and the union representing more than 1,200 of its faculty members say they have reached a tentative agreement.

If ratified, the deal would put an end to a 35-day strike at the university, and the school says classes could resume as early as Tuesday.

The University of Manitoba Faculty Association says a ratification vote is planned tonight.

The union says its executive council is unanimously recommending that members ratify the deal, which it describes as prioritizing the recruitment and retention of professors, instructors and librarians.

Unionized faculty members went on strike in early November.

In a statement, the university says negotiators made progress on key issues.

“This has been a very challenging period for our entire community and it is time to move forward. … To our students, this has been especially hard on you. As we resume classes and interrupted research, we are committed to providing you with the support you need during this transition,” said Michael Benarroch, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, said in the statement.

The union, meanwhile, said it was buoyed by public support during the labour dispute.

“Because of the support from students, and the solidarity from supporters of public education, we have been able to reach a tentative agreement that prioritizes recruitment and retention,” UMFA president Orvie Dingwall said in a statement.