Jan 19 student update: regarding employee union strike vote

Dear students,

Yukon University acknowledges that on Jan 13, 2026 its unionized employees, represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada, voted for a strike mandate. The union shared this news with media on Friday afternoon. We expect many of you have questions about what this could mean for students. We will provide updates to students as information become available.

What is the status of collective bargaining negotiations at this time?

The collective agreement between Yukon University and Yukon University Employees Union (YUEU) expired June 30, 2024. Bargaining teams met initially in November 2024. The Union applied for conciliation in November 2025. Conciliation was scheduled for January 13-15, 2026.

The strike vote, held January 12-13, coincided with planned conciliation.

Conciliation did not result in an agreement. While much progress has been made on non-financial matters, wages remain the main unresolved issue.

The University supports the right of employees to collectively bargain. While our bargaining teams were unable to reach an agreement during conciliation, we remain optimistic that we will come to a collaborative resolution.

When could a strike happen?

The union will be in a legal strike position as early as March 2 If no resolution occurs in the meantime. A 72-hour strike notice must be provided in advance of a strike. We cannot speculate on this time at what job actions the union may or may not be planning. We are committed to sharing relevant information with students when it is available.

How could classes be affected?

Decisions about the academic term are made by Senate. The topic of implications of a potential strike on student learning will be discussed at Senate’s regular monthly meeting on Wednesday January 21. We will update students after that meeting.

Sincerely,

Bronwyn Hancock

Interim Provost