WLUFA

Graphic featuring a quote that reads: “OCUFA’s Social Media Day of Action is a call to course correct. Fixing a strained system requires stable, predictable public funding that allows universities to hire permanent faculty, reduce class sizes, support students and plan for the future.” — Rob Kristofferson, OCUFA President. The background is purple-toned and shows a tablet displaying an op-ed entitled “Ontario’s universities are being run on gig work – and students are paying the price.” The OCUFA logo and campaign website link appear at the bottom.

A poster with OCUFA President, Rob Kristofferson. White lettering on a greenish background "Ontario's universities are being run on gig work-and students are paying the price. Read the op-ed by OCUFA President Rob Kristofferson. OCUFA."

While progress has been made for WLUFA’s CF Members, major issues remain. Sustained public funding for Ontario’s PSEs is needed to secure benefits, job security, pathways to full-time work, and research support for Contract Faculty. #Fairness4CF tinyurl.com/cfsmdoa @ocufa.bsky.social

Graphic featuring a quote that reads: “Ontario’s universities are being forced to operate under conditions that no public system should endure. Minor tweaks will not fix a structural problem. And a system built on precarious work cannot deliver the education that Ontario students deserve, and our provincial economy needs to thrive.” — Rob Kristofferson, OCUFA President. The background shows a desk scene with a mason jar holding pencils and a laptop displaying an op-ed entitled “Ontario’s universities are being run on gig work – and students are paying the price.” OCUFA logo and website link appear at the bottom.

A poster with OCUFA President, Rob Kristofferson. White lettering on a greenish background "Ontario's universities are being run on gig work-and students are paying the price. Read the op-ed by OCUFA President Rob Kristofferson. OCUFA."

Recent progress at Laurier for CF matters. It also shows why collective action matters. But fairness for Contract Faculty depends on more than local gains. Chronic underfunding continues to drive precarious academic work across the sector. #Fairness4CF tinyurl.com/cfsmdoa @ocufa.bsky.social

Graphic featuring a quote that reads: “Contract faculty are typically vastly underpaid, putting in countless hours of unpaid labour to support their students. They often receive no research support and few opportunities to contribute to the broader academic life of their universities. Their growing presence on campuses represents the quiet “gigification” of university teaching.” — Rob Kristofferson, OCUFA President. The background is a university lecture hall. The OCUFA logo and campaign website link appear at the bottom.

A poster with OCUFA President, Rob Kristofferson. White lettering on a greenish background "Ontario's universities are being run on gig work-and students are paying the price. Read the op-ed by OCUFA President Rob Kristofferson. OCUFA."

Unpaid labour remains a serious issue for Contract Faculty across Ontario, especially as AI-related academic misconduct adds to instructors’ workload. Sustained public funding is needed to support fair compensation and working conditions. #Fairness tinyurl.com/cfsmdoa @ocufa.bsky.social

Graphic 1: Graphic featuring a quote that reads: “The growing presence of contract faculty on campuses represents the quiet ‘gigification’ of university teaching.” — Rob Kristofferson, OCUFA President. The background shows a desk scene with a yellow coffee cup and a tablet displaying an op-ed entitled “Ontario’s universities are being run on gig work – and students are paying the price.” OCUFA logo and website link appear at the bottom.

A poster with OCUFA President, Rob Kristofferson. White lettering on a greenish background "Ontario's universities are being run on gig work-and students are paying the price. Read the op-ed by OCUFA President Rob Kristofferson. OCUFA."

Following the recent Member ratification vote, WLUFA’s Contract Faculty Members at Laurier are set to make some gains, but there is still more work to do to address precarity and advance fairness for Contract Faculty across the sector. tinyurl.com/cfsmdoa @ocufa.bsky.social #Fairness4CF

Miles Evans Branagh and Joshua Arden Miller

Tentative agreement reached. No strike Monday. CF duties resume as usual. Join us at Maxwell’s (Waterloo) for updates, and recognize the CF team and all who supported bargaining. 12 pm music: Miles Evans Branagh and Joshua Arden Miller. 3 pm: The Mighty Kin ft Brent Hagerman. #solidarity

graphic of a sunrise behind a crowd of picketers - words: WLUFA Contract Faculty - Tentative Agreement Reached

WLUFA has reached a tentative agreement with the Administration for the Contract Faculty Bargaining Unit, averting a strike.

There is no labour disruption at this time.

Details will be shared with members through the ratification process. More updates to come. #Fairness4cf #Solidarity

Brent Hagerman listening to the conversation of the Team while caucusing at mediation

Anne-Marie Allison, Terry Poirier and Mariette Stephenson hard at work

David Meurer concentrating on proposed language

The Negotiations Team getting ready for mediation.

Mediation has begun. Final "full pass" is with the CF bargaining team. Under 14 hours to the strike deadline, the team is sequestered and pushing on compensation, benefits, job security, and unpaid labour. We stand together for a fair deal. #Fairness4cf #Solidarity @OCUFA @caut.bsky.social

WLUSA President donating traffic pylons and reflective vest to WLUFA. All in photo wearing new red Contract Faculty Solidarity Shirts. Ryan Ladner with the WLUFA Bullhorn

Ryan Ladner and a Laurier grad student wearing and showing the new, red, Contract Faculty solidarity shirt. Grad student is also wearing a WLUFA toque.

Three unionized workers at a local print shop hoping up the new WLUFA picket signs.

We’re preparing for Monday’s strike deadline (12:01 a.m., Feb 23).
Shirts, signs, safety gear, and strong solidarity across campus, including support from WLUSA and a unionized printshop that produced our picket signs.
Stay tuned for updates. #Fairness4cf @ocufa.bsky.social @caut.bsky.social

Two WLUFA Members posing for a photo holding WLUFA flags and a yellow CF Solidarity shirt

Six WLUFA Members posing for a photo with WLUFA flags and a bullhorn.

Two WLUFA Members and WLUFA's MECO, Ryan Ladner, taking a selfie.

Three WLUFA Members, from the Music Faculty, smiling for a photo.

Solidarity means showing up for each other. Thanks to the Full-time and Contract Faculty Members and Librarians who joined us at the Hawk’s Nest and stood together for #Fairness4CF. Soup, Sandwiches, and #Solidarity. @ocufa.bsky.social @caut.bsky.social

a graphic of text that says "WLUFA What else can I do to support Contract ContractFacul Faculty? Write.Organize. Write. Show up. Write to President Deborah MacLatchy and the Board of Governors to demand that the University reach α fair deal. Scan the QR code to download a templated letter that you can send. Integrity & Well-being Dignity, Equity •Connect with your student leaders to support student led advocacy efforts. If job action occurs, you can visit the picket line to show support if you are able."

an image of text that says "WLUFA Stay connected Follow WLUFA on social media Scan the QR codes below: Instagram Twitter/ X Facebook book Bluesky ForMoreInformationChekOutWLUFA's For More Information Check Out WLUFA's Contract Faculty Page Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association 202 Regina St. N. Unit 128, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5- www.wlufa.ca"

Show your support.

Wear green or yellow and write to President Deborah MacLatchy and the Board of Governors using the letter template here:
tinyurl.com/y7u7chhb

#fairness4CF #Solidarity @ocufa.bsky.social @caut.bsky.social

a graphic of text that says "WLUFA Why go on strike? Your instructors understand how disruptive job action can be for students, and it is not something we choose lightly. We know this would disrupt students and the wider university community, and we do not take that lightly. We have not yet reached ν agreement with Wilfrid Laurier University on key issues like working conditions, job security, and compensation. If a deal is not reached, α strike is a last resort to show the value of Contract Faculty work and to push for a fair agreement."

an image of text that says "WLUFA What would α strike mean for me? If there is labour action, including a strike, Contract Faculty would withdraw teaching and other academic services in person and online. We know this could be disruptive and stressful for students. We urge the university to continue bargaining in good faith and reach a fair settlement to prevent any loss of classroom teaching time. Will my Full-ti time Faculty classes still run? This bargaining involves only Contract Faculty. Full-time faculty are not part of this strike position. If your class is running, attend unless the University or your instructor says otherwise."

a graphic of text that says "WLUFA could lose the term? A strike is disruptive, and it can create real uncertainty for students. The University can avoid disruption by reaching a fair agreement. President Deborah MacLatchy and the wilfrid Laurier University Board of Governors set the University's direction and financial priorities, and they have a responsibility to support a fair settlement that avoids disruption. What happens next depends on when job action ends and what decisions the University makes. The University, including the Senate and administration, decides how the academic schedule is reorganized, including any changes to deadlines and course timelines."

a graphic of text that says "WLUFA What can I do to support Contract Faculty? Students can make a real difference. Show your support through visible solidarity Wearing a green or yellow solidarity shirt on campus, in class, or online is a simple way to show support for Contract Faculty working conditions. Need a FREE t-shirt? Scan the QR code to request one STOP Wilfrid Laurier University's Gigification of Teaching - Dignity Equity Integrity Well-being" A QR code and a green and yellow t-shirt

Issues: working conditions, job security, compensation. These shape students’ learning conditions.
We’re asking for support from students, alumni, staff, and the wider community. Fair working conditions for Contract Faculty mean fair learning conditions for students. 👇

an image of text that says "WLUFA Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association Contract Teaching Faculty and Part-time Part- Librarians Strike Info STUDENTS' FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Prepared By: WLUFA Communications 2026"

an image of text that says "WLUFA Are Contract Teaching Faculty going on strike? The Contract Teaching Faculty Bargaining Unit of WLUFA will be in a legal strike position on Monday, February 23, 2026 should a settlement not be reached by that time. The decision to obtain a strike mandate was not taken lightly. Faculty would rather be in the classroom than on the picket line. Laurier's Contract Teaching Faculty care deeply about the quality of your education and will disrupt classes and our other work only as α last resort."

an image of text that says "WLUFA What is WLUFA? The Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association (WLUFA) is the certified bargaining agent for Full- Full-time Faculty Contract Teaching Faculty, and Professional and Part-time Librarians. Who are Contract Teaching Faculty? Contract Teaching Faculty (generally called Contract Faculty) are instructors hired on a course-by-course -course contract basis, for each term. Their employment ends with each contract."

an image of text that says "WLUFA What are the issues? The main issues include working conditions, job security, and compensation, which affect the quality of education and the University's ability to be competitive in attracting and maintaining highly qualified faculty. Our working conditions directly impact the student learning environment. WLUFA Contract Faculty represent less than 6% of Laurier's overall operating costs, yet taught over 40% of undergraduate courses in 2024/2025 Laurier can choose and afford to invest in the Contract Faculty they rely on to deliver almost half of undergraduate teaching."

Contract Faculty at Laurier will be in a legal strike position on Monday, Feb 23, 2026 if a settlement is not reached.

This is a last resort. Our Members would rather be teaching and supporting students. 👇

Thank you to our colleagues at the @wlufa.bsky.social for this letter of solidarity

We stand together!
-
Merci à nos collègues de l'Association des professeurs de l'Université Wilfrid Laurier pour cette lettre de solidarité.

Nous sommes unis !

A photo of Faculty of Education Members near the entrance of the Hawk's Nest

Six WLUFA Members smiling for a photo at their table near the front of the room.

A photo of WLUFA Past-President, Rob Kristofferson, saying a few words at the microphone.

Three WLUFA Members posing for a photo at their table

Friday’s End-of-Term Dinner brought WLUFA together in the best way. Members shared good food, good conversations, and the strong sense of solidarity that continues to guide the Association. Thank you to everyone who joined the celebration. #FacultyLife #StrongerTogether

Many union and faculty associations gathered by the ocean listening to a speaker with a microphone. Most are carrying signs or flags.

A photo of Cameron McKenzie holding a WLUFA and CUPE 3912 flag with Michael Arfken from UPEIFA in the background

A large group photo of a rally in front of a University.

a line of picketers with flags and banners

WLUFA stands with @cupe3912.bsky.social . Our @cautdefencefund.bsky.social, Cameron McKenzie, is on the picket lines in Halifax. PT faculty at MSVU and SMU are on strike for fair wages and job security. Their fight is about dignity and the future of public education.
#Solidarity @caut.bsky.social

WLUFA's President, Bruce Gillespie, having a light lunch with three other WLUFA Members.

5 WLUFA Members sitting around a few table smiling and chatting with each other.

Two WLUFA Members and WLUFA's new Labour Relations Officer, Martin Devitt having a conversation seated around a small table.

Four WLUFA Members at a table, smiling for the camera.

Toast? ✅ Tea? ✅ Tacos? ✅ Teaching? Always. ✅
WLUFA’s Fall Social was full of laughs, connections, and mid-day treats. Thanks to everyone who joined us! 🌮☕🍞 #FallTerm #Solidarity #CampusCommunity

Photo of WLUFA's CAUT-DF Representative, Cameron McKenzie posing with a person in an inflatable dinosaur costume on the DFA picket line. He is holding a WLUFA flag

Photo of a crowd of picketers forming up near campus

Photo of WLUFA's CAUT-DF Representative, Cameron McKenzie posing with a person in an inflatable dinosaur costume on the DFA picket line. He is holding a WLUFA flag

WLUFA stands with @dalfaculty.bsky.social as they continue to push back against a lockout that has now entered week 4.

Our @cautdefencefund.bsky.social representative Cameron McKenzie was proud to march in Halifax today alongside faculty, students, parents, and allies.

#KeepDalStrong #UnionStrong

Photo of Student4CF tabling with students gathered to listen and pick-up a free Contract Faculty support shirt.

three students holding up the Contract Faculty support shirts

A student smiling and waving at the camera while picking up her Contract Faculty support shirt

A student at the Student4CF table with the student support volunteer giving the thumbs up

Huge thanks to Students4CF and Brantford students showing up for Contract Faculty! Stop by their tabling for free T-shirts: Sept 17, Sept 25 & Oct 1. Upholding Dignity, Equity, Integrity & Well-Being. #solidarity #fairness4cf #stopgigification @ocufa.bsky.social @caut.bsky.social

Photo of WLUFA MECO, Ryan Ladner with OPSEU President JP Hornick at a union rally.

Photo of WLUFA flag at union rally with large crowd

photo of large rally of CUPE and OPSEU Members

photo of large rally of CUPE and OPSEU Members

WLUFA stands in #solidarity with CUPE Ontario and @opseusefpo.bsky.social today in Hamilton for the launch of the #WorthFightingFor campaign, addressing the damage caused by the now-repealed Bill 124.

@jphornick.bsky.social
@oflabour.bsky.social
@caut.bsky.social
@ocufa.bsky.social
#Solidarity

A large crowd of union and faculty association supporters marching at Dalhousie University.

A large group of union and faculty association members holding up flags and signs while posing for a photo.

Dr. Robin Whitaker - President of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) giving a rally speech in front of a television camera and rally crowd

A large group of union and faculty association members holding up flags and signs while posing for a photo in front of the University of Dalhousie's sign.

We hope everyone had a safe Labour Day in solidarity with workers everywhere! Thank you to WLUFA’s @cautdefencefund.bsky.social rep. Cameron McKenzie for standing with @dalfaculty.bsky.social, who have been locked out since August 18. #LabourDay #KeepDalStrong @ocufa.bsky.social
@caut.bsky.social

#keepdalstrong DFA 1st lockout rally kicks off NOW. 6225 University Ave, Halifax - in front off Killam Library

WLUFA Members smiling and showing off their Pride tattoos with crossed arms

Big photo of attendees at WLUFA's Pride and Popsicles in Brantford

Social Work Members at WLUFA Pride in Brantford

people showing off their Pride tattoos

Brantford, you showed up! WLUFA’s Pride & Popsicles lit up the RAC Courtyard as faculty, staff & students celebrated 2SLGBTQ+ and sexually & gender diverse communities. Thanks for the sweet vibes! 💜
#Pride2025 #PrideAndPopsicles #2SLGBTQ #Brantford @ocufa.bsky.social @caut.bsky.social

Photo of WLUSA and WLUFA Executive President's Karen Karen Cleaver and Bruce Gillespie

WLUFA and WLUSA Members smiling for the camera at the Pride event in Waterloo.

Photo of smiling workers at WLUFA/WLUSA Pride event.

WLUFA and WLUSA Members smiling for the camera at the Pride event in Waterloo.

Perfect skies for our 2nd annual Pride & Popsicles! With WLUSA we transformed Waterloo campus into a joyful outdoor celebration of 2SLGBTQ+ people & sexually diverse communities. Thanks to every faculty, staff, student & ally who shared the love. #Pride2025 #PrideMonth

OCUFA's Pre-budget Submission:
Risking Ontario’s Future: The Dangers of Underfunding Ontario
Universities
ocufa.on.ca/assets/2024....

A photo of student supporters with signs about Contract Faculty Support

A procession of University graduates, faculty and administrators going into a theatre.

A photo of student supporters with signs about Contract Faculty Support

A student making a support sign

Students stood in solidarity with Contract Faculty in downtown Brantford as the first week of negotiations begins. ‘Better contracts – better education’ is the message that resonates. More updates to come. #Fairness4cf #Solidarity #EducationMatters
@ocufa.bsky.social @caut.bsky.social

WLUFA Executive Director and WLUFA Member chatting

WLUFA Members clapping at Spring Social

Bruce Gillespie and David Monod smiling for a photo.

Bruce Gillespie giving a speech at WLUFA Spring Social

A warm and welcoming atmosphere at this afternoon’s WLUFA Spring Social at the Hawk’s Nest. Congrats to all of the retirees and a welcome to all new Contract Faculty Century Club inductees! #springhassprung #marking #endofterm

Blue WLUFA Circle Logo.

Show solidarity with @wlufa.bsky.social, seeking a remedy for wages lost under Bill 124. Bill 124 was ruled unconstitutional last year in Ontario. It stripped Contract Faculty and many others of their bargaining rights. Employers must bargain in good faith. @ocufa.bsky.social @caut.bsky.social

Photo of Sobia Iqbal and Chris Panylo

photo of Sydney Keedwell, Fatima Garzan, Hadi Rasooli and Chris Panylo

photo of five people listening to one person in a circle

photo of Sobia Iqbal, Sydney Keedwell, Fatima Garzan, Hadi Rasooli and Chris Panylo

Thank you to Sobia Iqbal, Mona Elayyan, and Suzanne Luke for organizing 'Stories That Shape Us'—a truly inspiring event. Special thanks to all guests for sharing impactful stories and fostering engaging dialogue on resilience, identity, and change #stories #community

Image of a collective agreement with a "ratified" stamp on it.

After UMFA's longest round of bargaining in recent history, the new Collective Agreement has been ratified!

Graphic poster, blue and yellow. Contract Faculty Coffee & Conversation. Wilf sign and The Belmont sign. Take a Break. WLUFA Logo

WLUFA’s Contract Faculty - Coffee & Conversation is ongoing until the end of March! Looking to unwind, connect with colleagues, and share experiences? Drop by on Wed mornings in Brantford or Mon/Thurs aft in Waterloo. No RSVP needed! Details here: shorturl.at/CAw0L #BrewUp