More than 2,000 teaching and research assistants at Concordia University in Montreal walked off the job Wednesday after failing to reach a deal on wages, raising concerns about disruptions to end-of-term academic activities.
The workers, represented by the Concordia Research and Education Workers (CREW–CSN), began an unlimited strike following months of stalled negotiations over a new collective agreement. The job action is expected to affect more than 3,000 tutorials, conferences and laboratory sessions.
“The message from CREW members is clear: we can’t afford to accept Concordia’s salary offer,” said Jason Langford, a member of the union’s bargaining committee. “We are both students and precarious workers, bearing the brunt of dramatic increases in the cost of housing and groceries, as well as tuition and fees.”
Union members voted 95 per cent in favour of strike action in February, citing the rising cost of living and a need for greater job security. The union is seeking significant wage increases to offset financial pressures on members.
Caroline Senneville, president of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), said the dispute highlights broader affordability challenges in higher education.
“Between escalating tuition fees and the rising cost of living, students are caught between a rock and a hard place,” she said. “Improving their working conditions will have a direct impact on the affordability of their studies.”
Saleha Hedaraly, vice-president of the Fédération nationale des enseignantes et des enseignants du Québec (FNEEQ–CSN), said the union remained engaged in talks but had reached an impasse with the university.
“The union has given negotiations a real chance, but we’ve hit a brick wall on the management side,” she said. “Let’s hope the strike gives them the opportunity to find a way through.”
Chantal Ide, vice-president of the Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain–CSN, said the strike has broad support from students, faculty and other unions.
“From now on, the only way forward will be solidarity,” she said. “CREW is lucky to count on the support of the Concordia student community as well as its workers and all 300,000 CSN members.”
