This web page will be updated as information becomes known. Current students can also expect to receive email updates from the Interim Provost to their preferred email address on file with the Office of the Registrar. Revisions or additions since the last update are included in bold.
Winter 2026 Academic Disruption Plan
Information last updated: Feb. 27, 2026
What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is the process through which employers and their unionized employees negotiate the terms and conditions of their work, including salary, benefits, workload, and other important areas. These terms and conditions are laid out in a collective agreement. These negotiations are a regular and important part of the collective agreement process, and they are very common at universities in Canada. While negotiations may understandably provoke some uncertainty, as does any situation in which the outcome is unknown, collective bargaining is an important sign of a strong, free, and fair democratic society.
What is a labour disruption?
A labour disruption occurs when negotiations have reached an impasse and can take the form of a strike, when employees withhold their labour, or a lockout, when the employer prohibits employees from continuing to work under the current conditions. Both typically end with picketing, where employees stand or walk outside their place of work to demonstrate their position to the public. The picket line is meant to educate those who aim to enter the employer’s property. A labour disruption can include all members striking at the same time, rotating strikes, or other labour actions like work-to-rule.
What has happened so far?
The University and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, which represents the university’s unionized employees, have met five times to negotiate a new Collective Agreement. Together, we were able to agree to most items on the table for discussion but have not yet been able to resolve a new agreement on wages. In October 2025, the University presented an increased financial offer to the Public Service Alliance of Canada after approval from the Board of Governors. The university is willing to continue bargaining at any time.
When could a strike occur? When will we know when a strike will take place?
The Yukon University Employees’ Union held a successful strike vote January 12-13, 2026 and will be legally allowed to strike as of March 2, 2026. The union must provide 72-hour notice in advance of labour action.
If a strike were to occur, who will go on strike?
If a strike were to occur, all union members would be involved. This includes faculty members, sessional instructors and unionized staff.
If a strike were to occur, do students also go on strike?
No, a strike is conducted by those in the bargaining unit. At YukonU, students would not go on strike. The Yukon University Students' Union represents the interests of students, but it is not a labour union and is not a party to this bargaining. A strike would, however, undoubtably impact students. Potential impacts are further discussed below.
Student workers are hired through casual contracts. These positions are not represented by the Yukon University Employees' Union, meaning student workers are not required to go on strike.
If a strike were to occur, who would still be working?
If a strike were to occur, all employees who are not represented by the union would continue to work. This includes senior leadership and confidentially excluded employees. Students and casual employees who are already working may also choose to continue to work. Some unionized staff providing essential services, like custodians and counsellors, may also work.
If a strike were to occur, how long could it last?
It is difficult to estimate how long a strike may last and predictions about when it could end should not be viewed as reliable.
If a strike were to occur, would the University remain open?
If a strike were to occur, all University buildings on the Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse would remain open. We are working to determine how community campuses might be accessible if a strike were to occur.
If a strike were to occur, would classes, labs and field trips be cancelled?
Yes. Most instructional activities, including most classes and labs, would stop temporarily for the duration of a potential a strike. The university is working to determine whether instruction can continue in partnered programs.
Some non-credit continuing education and professional training courses may still be offered. The university will continue to provide updates on these activities.
If a strike were to occur, would on-line, hyflex and asynchronous classes be cancelled?
Yes. If a strike were to occur, all classes, including online, hyflex and asynchronous classes, would stop until the strike is over.
If a strike were to occur, would I still be considered a registered student?
Yes. If a strike were to occur, you would still be considered a registered student.
If a strike were to occur, could I still communicate with my instructor?
If a strike were to occur, faculty members and sessional instructors would not be performing any part of their work, including communicating with students.
If a strike were to occur, would my assignments still be due and would scheduled tests and evaluations still happen? Should I continue to work on my course materials?
If a strike were to occur, faculty members and sessional instructors would not be working and would not be teaching, marking, or otherwise receiving and evaluating student assignments or tests. Students may continue to work independently on course material that has already been provided if they choose to.
If a strike were to occur, would I get a refund on the tuition for my courses that are already underway?
The university is working through its governance bodies to determine the best approach to support students in completing their studies in the event of a strike. The university will share more information with students as soon as it is able to.
If a strike were to occur, what university services would still be available to students?
The university is working to determine which services would still be available to students during a possible labour disruption. The university anticipates many services would continue to be available to students, although availability and hours of service may be reduced. The university will continue to update students as services are confirmed.
If a strike were to occur, how much notice would be provided to students before classes resume?
Once a labour disruption has ended, the University will communicate when classes will resume. This would typically occur within days of the end of a labour disruption.
If a strike were to occur, could I continue my practicum or work placement?
For practicum and work placement students, the university is still working to determine the impact. The university will provide more information to practicum students as soon as it is able to.
If a strike were to occur, would the university extend the deadline to make changes to classes, apply to programs, or other admissions or registration deadlines?
This would depend on the duration of the strike. The university is currently working with its Senate to develop scenarios for such impacts based on different potential strike durations. If changes were to be made, the university would communicate those to students.
If a strike were to occur, would the university consider extending the semester?
This would depend on the duration of the strike. The university is currently working with its Senate to develop scenarios for such impacts based on different potential strike durations. Any changes to the semester would be communicated directly to students.
If a strike were to occur, would this affect my ability to graduate or the timing of convocation?
This would depend on the duration of the strike. The university is currently working with its Senate to develop scenarios for such impacts based on different potential strike durations. If changes were to be made, the university would communicate those to students.
I am a current student in a community-based non-credit program. Is it still going to run if a strike does occur?
If a strike does occur, community-based non-credit programs may be impacted. The university is working to determine the nature of these impacts and will share more information as soon as it is able to.
I am a student hired as a student employee. If a strike were to occur, could I continue to work?
Student employees are not members of the union, so if there is a strike it is possible for some student employees to continue working. Please speak with your supervisor or Human Resources to understand how you may continue to work in the event of a strike.
If a strike were to occur, would current or future apprentice level deliveries be impacted?
If a strike were to occur, apprentice-level training would be paused. The university is working with the Yukon Government to determine next steps for apprentices should a strike take place.
I am an international student. What could a strike mean for me?
This section last updated February 18, 2026
INFORMATION DISCLAIMER
This document is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies and guidance publicly available as of the “Last updated” date shown above. In Canada, International students, applicants and alumni are responsible for their own individual immigration planning. To support their own planning, applicants, students and alumni are encouraged to monitor and confirm any future changes to IRCC policy via official Government of Canada sources and/or seek individualized advice from a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) and/or from their immigration lawyer.
Yukon University does not provide immigration advising to applicants, students or alumni. This document does not constitute legal advice. Immigration matters are case-specific, and outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances. Federal Canadian immigration regulations, public policies, and institutional practices may change without notice.
Prepared by:
Julie Croquison, RCIC (R707856)
YXY Immigration Consultant Inc.
202 Strickland Street
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2J8
Telephone: 867-336-7770
Email: jcroquison@yxyimmigration.ca
1) If a strike were to occur, would it impact my immigration status?
Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that when a strike prevents students from starting or continuing their studies, this situation is beyond the student’s control and their status as a study permit holder should not be affected.
Students must still:
- Maintain valid temporary resident status at all times
- Follow study permit conditions
- Apply for extensions before their current permit expires, if needed
Important: A strike does not pause your study permit validity. Your permit expiry date does not change.
2) What is authorized leave and the 150-day rule?
IRCC allows an authorized leave from studies of up to 150 days in specific situations, including when a school closes because of a strike. Leaves must be authorized/confirmed by the DLI and must not exceed 150 days for the student to remain compliant.
If you do not resume studies within 150 days, IRCC indicates you should:
- Change your status (for example, to visitor or worker if eligible), or
- Leave Canada
Otherwise, you may be considered non-compliant with study permit conditions.
3) If a strike were to occur, when would the 150-day period start?
IRCC counts the 150day period from the date the authorized leave begins (the date the leave commenced / was granted or confirmed by the institution). For a strike, the start date may be the date the University confirms academic activities were suspended or the date you stopped being able to actively pursue studies. Students should include official documentation from the institution confirming the reason for the leave and the start date of the authorized leave in any immigration application submitted during or after the strike period.
4) My study permit may expire during a possible strike. If I apply for an extension, would I resume my studies once the possible strike ended?
Yes. If you apply to extend your study permit before your current permit expires, you may remain in Canada and continue studying under the conditions of your current study permit while you wait for a decision (maintained status).
To maintain this:
- Apply before your current study permit expires
- Remain in Canada while IRCC processes the application
- Continue complying with study permit conditions
Important (travel): If you leave Canada while your extension is being processed, you may be allowed to re-enter as a visitor, and you cannot study until your extended study permit is approved/issued.
If you need to apply for an extension during a strike, include a registrar letter confirming the strike prevented you from attending school and pursuing studies.
5) If a strike were to occur, how would YukonU support potential immigration risks and adverse impacts?
Depending on service availability during a strike, Yukon University’s Office of the Registrar would support International students by providing letters confirming an individual International student’s enrolment status and eligibility to graduate, and confirmation regarding strike interruption.
IRCC notes that if a student needs to apply to extend their study permit during a strike, they should include a letter from their postsecondary institution’s registrar’s office confirming that the strike prevented them from attending school and pursuing studies.
At Yukon University, though a labour disruption would delay production timelines, the Office of the Registrar would make every effort to produce the above documentation as soon as possible, upon each International students’ written request. Requests would be required to be submitted directly to Yukon University’s Office of the Registrar.
6) If a strike were to occur, could I still work off campus?
Your ability to work off campus depends on your study permit conditions and whether you meet IRCC’s eligibility requirements.
Available IRCC guidance on postsecondary strikes states:
- If the strike occurs during a regular academic session, eligible students may work off campus up to 24 hours per week
- If the strike occurs during a regularly scheduled break, eligible students may work full-time only during that scheduled break
A strike does not automatically turn a term into a scheduled break. Students should confirm the academic calendar and consult the official IRCC guidance for the most current rules.
7) If a strike were to occur, would it affect my Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility?
IRCC’s PGWP guidance states that applicants impacted by a strike affecting a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada are considered to be studying full-time during the strike period, and time not-attending classes due to a strike does not impact PGWP eligibility. Students must still meet all other PGWP requirements and remain compliant with study permit conditions.
8) Who do I contact if I need more information about how a potential strike might impact my status as an international student?
International students are encouraged to monitor and confirm any future changes to IRCC policy via official Government of Canada sources and/or seek individualized advice from a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) and/or from their immigration lawyer. Federal Canadian immigration regulations, public policies, and institutional practices may change without notice.
Yukon University does not provide immigration advising to applicants, students or alumni. This document does not constitute legal advice. Immigration matters are case-specific, and outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances.
I am registered in a course or program that hasn’t started yet. Should I still plan to attend that course or program?
The University is not planning to cancel any future courses or programs at this time, but future courses or programs may not be able to run if the strike continues beyond their start date. The university would communicate these changes directly to impacted students.
I am registered in a community-based non-credit program that hasn’t started yet. Is it still going to run if a strike does occur?
If a strike does occur, community-based non-credit programs may be impacted. The university is working to determine the nature of these impacts and will share more information as soon as it is able to.
I am considering registering for a course or program in the future. Should I still register, even if there may be a strike?
The University is not planning to cancel any future courses or programs at this time, but future courses or programs may not be able to run if the strike continues beyond their start date.
Is the university planning to cancel any courses or programs that have not started yet?
No, at this time the university is not planning to cancel any courses or programs that have not started yet.
Should I register for courses or programs in the spring semester?
The University is not planning to cancel any future courses or programs at this time, but future courses or programs may not be able to run if the strike continues beyond their start date.
If I register for a course or program that hasn’t started yet but gets cancelled in the event of a strike, would I get a refund?
If a course or program that hasn’t started yet were to be cancelled due to a strike, you would get a refund on any course or tuition fees. Refunds would not be issued until the strike was over.
If a continuing studies course gets cancelled due to a strike, would the university reschedule the course?
Yes, the university would make best efforts to reschedule any cancelled continuing education courses after the strike ended.
If a strike were to occur, would I still receive my student training allowance?
The University is pleased to share this message from Yukon Government’s Student Financial Assistance Unit:
What would a strike mean for your student aid?
- Your eligibility for student financial aid (grants, loans, and Student Training Allowance) would not change in the case of a strike.
- If you are registered in an eligible program, your student aid would continue to be assessed based on your enrollment status.
Could there be delays?
A strike could affect how quickly institutions are able to confirm enrollment, provide documentation, or process payments. If that happens:
- There may be minor delays in bi‑weekly Student Training Allowance payments
- We would make every effort to minimize delays in processing and issuing payments.
- You would not be penalized for delays that are outside of your control.
What can you do now?
To help avoid any issues:
- Make sure your student aid application is complete and all required documents have been submitted.
- If you are a funded Yukon student, you can check your application status on our Student Portal.
- Non-Yukon students should confirm their application status with their funding jurisdiction.
Yukon Government’s Financial Assistance Team is here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at sfa@yukon.ca or 867 667 5929.
I receive funding from another agency or organization while I am a student at YukonU. Could that funding be affected in the event of a strike?
Please contact the agency or organization providing the funding to understand whether there would be impacts in the event of a strike.
If a strike were to occur, would activities at community campuses be impacted?
If a strike were to occur, activities at community campuses would likely be impacted. The university is working to determine the nature of these impacts and will communicate more information as soon as it is able to.
If a strike were to occur, would community campuses still be accessible?
The university is working to determine how community campuses might be accessible if a strike were to occur.
If a strike were to occur, how would I receive updates on the strike?
This web page will be updated during any labour dispute. Registered students will also be sent regular updates by email through Banner Communications to the student’s preferred email.
The University will also strive to meet regularly with the YukonU Student Union.
If a strike were to occur, would the University remain open?
If a strike were to occur, all University buildings on the Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse would remain open. The university is working to determine how community campuses might be accessible if a strike were to occur.
If a strike were to occur, would the University be open to visitors?
Ayamdigut campus facilities and Campus Housing would remain to visitors. The university is working to determine how community campuses might be accessible if a strike were to occur.
Visitors to the Ayamdigut campus are encouraged to expect delays and allow for extra time when coming onto campus.
If a strike were to occur, what university services would still be available to students?
The university is working to determine which services would still be available to students during a possible labour disruption. The university anticipates many services would continue to be available to students, although availability and hours of service may be reduced. The university will continue to update students as it develops plans for services in the event of a possible labour disruption.
If a strike were to occur, would the library at Ayamdigut remain open?
Yes, if there were to be a strike the library at Ayamdigut would remain open, although hours and available services may change. Please refer to the Library homepage for updated information.
If a strike were to occur, would events on campus continue as planned?
If a strike were to occur, classes, labs and activities led by faculty and staff would not occur.
If a strike were to occur, some events may still continue, but many would likely be cancelled.
If a strike were to occur, would my existing room booking be cancelled?
The university is not planning to cancel any room bookings at this time, but will provide additional information about existing bookings if changes are to be made.
If a strike were to occur, could rooms and facilities at the Ayamdigut campus still be booked for external events?
If a strike does occur, Room Booking services will not be available until the strike is over, but existing bookings may still continue.
If a strike were to occur, would bus service for the Ayamdigut campus be impacted?
Please monitor information provided by the City of Whitehorse to stay informed of any potential impacts to bus service for the Ayamdigut campus.
If a strike were to occur, would Campus Housing remain open?
Yes, Campus Housing would remain open in the event of a strike.
If a strike were to occur, would food services be available at the Ayamdigut campus?
Yes, food services would still be available at the Ayamdigut campus, although hours and selection may be different.
If a strike were to occur, would access to the Yukon Native Language Centre, Nakwaye Ku Daycare, Yukon Arts Centre, seniors housing or Yukon Archives be affected?
If a strike were to occur, access to University Place may be more challenging. Contact these neighbours to determine the best way to access their facilities and services.
I have a question that is not answered here. Where can I get more information?
Please send any other questions to provost@yukonu.ca