Premier Pat Binns confirmed this morning that the University of Prince Edward Island and the UPEI Faculty Association concluded a tentative agreement overnight for the 375 members of the bargaining unit currently on strike at the university.
The Faculty Association has been on strike since March 21st.
“I am very pleased that negotiations have progressed to the point where both sides are prepared to seek ratification,” said the Premier. “This has been a very difficult time for both the faculty and the employer, and I am hopeful that students will be able to return to the classroom this week.”
After talks reached an impasse on the weekend, the Minister Responsible for Labour, Honourable Elmer MacFayden called in a mediator to bring the sides closer to a deal. This approach appears to have yielded the tentative agreement.
“My immediate concern was to ensure that students were not caught in the middle and lose their year. It was important that all options be explored with the view of bringing the sides together and ensuring that students go back to the classroom,” said Premier Binns.
Information on the tentative agreement will not be released until after the faculty members vote on, and the UPEI Board of Governors consider, the tentative deal. Respective meetings are scheduled for later today.