Teaching assistants on strike beginning on Monday

Saturday, March 23, 2024

The following message is being sent on behalf of McGill’s Human Resources Department 

Dear members of the McGill Community,

The Association of Graduate Students Employed at McGill (AGSEM) has informed us of its intent to go on strike on Monday, March 25, 2024. This follows a vote held between March 13 and 16, 2024, providing AGSEM with an 8-week strike mandate, pending negotiation progress for the renewal of their collective agreement.

McGill recognizes the right to labour action within the parameters of the law and hopes that impacts on students and colleagues will be limited.

In accordance with Quebec labour law, teaching assistants (TAs) will not be undertaking any of their duties while on strike. While we expect that instructors will continue to lead courses and labs, there may be class disruptions, grading delays and more time needed to respond to questions from students.

We expect to see picket lines on public property around the downtown campus, as is within the rights of striking employees. However, they may not picket on University grounds nor impede normal access to buildings.

Those needing additional information can consult this FAQ.

We regret any inconvenience that the strike action poses to community members. We hope it will be undertaken in a spirit of mutual respect and with a view to resuming normal activities and negotiations as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Francis Desjardins
Director, Labour and Employee Relations