The Thompson Rivers University Faculty Association (TRUFA) has agreed to private mediation with Thompson Rivers University (TRU).
This announcement came just a few hours after they initially gave three days’ notice of their intention to initiate strike actions Monday afternoon.
The University first offered to go through mediation on Thursday, January 7th.
On Monday evening, they released another statement, saying they are thankful towards the TRUFA for now agreeing to this “positive step,” and they are currently busy setting up the meetings.
Still, they said the TRUFA has refused to hold off on any job actions or to give any prior warning of strike actions.
Because of this, the University said they are still preparing for, “some form of strike action” such as picket lines.
The University said they will be posting bargaining proposals on their website on Tuesday.
“TRU’s priority is to keep our students, faculty and staff informed throughout this period,” said the University in a statement.
The faculty and administration have been at the bargaining table for the past 11 months with little progress made. Key issues have included budget, with faculty arguing that resources haven’t been going to student needs.
The Faculty Association represents approximately 650 instructors, librarians, counsellors, educational coordinators and learning specialists on two campuses in Kamloops and Williams Lake.
