The effect of Unit 1’s strike on campus normalcy escalated drastically on Tuesday following the breakdown of its latest round of negotiations.
Large groups of picketers blocked vehicle traffic into all three entrances at UTM on Tuesday, with police on hand to direct traffic.
Commuters faced delays of up to 90 minutes, according to an article on CP24.com.
Although the picket lines were up from at least 8 a.m., UTM did not issue an online notice about the delays until 11 a.m. on social media and not till 4:15 p.m. on their website.
Key administrators in the negotiations continue to reject The Medium’s requests for an interview.
Today’s “Day of Action” was organized in response to the claim on UTM’s strike update webpage that “classes, exams, events, and community programs are proceeding as normal”.
“The reality is that it is not business as usual, and classes, labs, tutorials, etc. are cancelled,” wrote Ryan Culpepper, vice-chair of Units 1 and 2, in an email to union members. “Let’s make it clear to the administration that despite their best efforts, they cannot ignore our strike.”
The other events planned for the week include a tri-campus student walkout at noon tomorrow by UTSU, a student sit-in at the Registrar’s Office in Scarborough on Thursday, and a Solidarity Rally on Saturday with CUPE members from both York and U of T.
