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I remember back in my university days when a break from studies, or an "extra" week to finish a project was a blessing. But imagine that near the end of your semester school just stops. Worse, you don't know when you'll go back. Sure, those first few days was great, maybe even the first week, but eleven weeks with no end in sight? Well, that's how long a strike has lasted at Canada's York University and students are itching to get back into class.
Members of CUPE local 3903, made up a contract teachers and teaching assistants, have been on strike since November 6, 2008. The main issues appear to be job security and wages, and possibly also contract length. Offers have gone back and forth, there was a forced vote earlier this month and there's still no end in sight. The Ontario government is appointing a provincial mediator but as one of my friends said, "McGuinty's decision sounds like he's sending in a mediator to mediate what the current mediator is mediating." That friend happens to be a York University student, and would really like to go back to class.
So would many others. Tangerine Tani is in her first year of university. Can you imagine dealing with this your first year out of high school?
I'm getting tired of sitting around, TRYING to stay motivated and trying to work on things, but sometimes falling short. Tuition wasn't cheap either, so it would be kinda nice to go back to the feeling of getting my money's worth.
Also, even though I am only in my first year, I'm getting scared that the strike will go on for so long that I'll still be in my first year next year!
Many students are turning to the York University Livejournal Community to share information. Rose Dawson is a former York U student whose post on the community struck a cord as she reminds everyone that there are sympathizers on both sides and is sorry to see the community turn into "Us vs. Them".
Toronto Star columnist Linde Diebel talks to her personal trainer, a York University student, about what the strike means to him.
- Worried about writing exams in a more condensed schedule (2 weeks instead of 3 weeks). This creates a problem when trying to maintain a high G.P.A which is important for admission into graduate school.
- Summer school may be cancelled. I was depending on summer school in order to keep up with program requirements, as I work during the school year so I generally carry a lighter course load and make it up in the summer.
- Feel like I've been ripped off because I paid for a full school year and will now be getting fewer classes, less learning material, shortened exam schedule and no money back. "
People outside the York community are talking abotu the strike too. Jules wants to know why students don't just transfer to a different university. In the comments current students tell her why it's just not that simple.
Over at About.com Marilyn Campbell wants to know if you would enroll at York University. According to the Ottawa Citizen, enrollment applications are down this year.
See Also:
3903 Strike blog
York Strike Blog
Experience York Blog
University of Toronto Strike Wars: Could it happen to us?
Contributing Editor Sassymonkey also blogs at Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.
