Going to Congress? McGill’s law professors are requesting you not cross their picket line
The Congress for the Humanities and Social Sciences is scheduled to take place at McGill University from June 12 – 21. However, the Association of McGill Professors of Law (AMPL) is currently on strike. AMPL is requesting that Congress attendees not attend events on campus at McGill University since doing so would mean crossing AMPL’s picket line. I strongly encourage those of you who planned to attend Congress to stand in solidarity with AMPL and refuse to cross their picket line if their strike remains ongoing during Congress.
McGill has been one of four universities in Canada without certified faculty unions. After a year of resistance from their administration, in November 2022, AMPL became the first faculty association certified at McGill University and they have been trying to negotiate their first collective agreement ever since. AMPL has been on strike for six weeks and McGill’s administration has refused to meet even once between April 24 and June 7. McGill’s administration further claims to be unavailable for further negotiations until August. As CAUT’s President Peter McInnis stated recently, “the now 500+ days of delayed negotiation is an affront to all faculty unions in Canada.” AMPL’s efforts to negotiate a fair collective agreement are being watched by McGill’s newly certified Faculties of Education and Arts, and by the Faculty of Engineering, which is presently seeking certification. AMPL’s members need continued and steadfast support and solidarity from across the country.
MUNFA members have joined AMPL Members on the picket lines in Montreal as part of the CAUT Defence Fund flying picketers. These solidarity picketers have amplified AMPL’s message to their employer: come to the table and bargain a fair contract!
How you can demonstrate your solidarity with AMPL
Call on your scholarly member associations to move their Congress events off the McGill campus to other universities or locations in Montreal, or to move events online.
When you are in Montreal, join the AMPL picket lines in front of Redpath Hall and at the three university gates. There will also be collaborative Days of Action on June 14 and 20.
Where you can find more information about the AMPL strike
AMPL has provided an FAQ for Congress participants:
https://ampl-ampd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FAQ-for-Congress-Participants.pdf
