The Quebec Labour Tribunal has issued a ruling ordering McGill University to cease obstructing the unionization efforts of its law professors. This decision comes after months of legal battles between the university and the Association of McGill University Professors (AMUP).
The AMUP, which represents over 1,500 professors, librarians, and archivists at McGill, filed for union certification in April 2018. However, the university has continuously challenged the union’s legitimacy, arguing that the law professors should not be included in the bargaining unit.
In its ruling, the tribunal stated that McGill’s actions were “unreasonable and in bad faith” and that the university had “engaged in a systematic campaign to obstruct the unionization process.” The tribunal also noted that the university had failed to provide any evidence to support its claims that the law professors should not be included in the union.
The AMUP has welcomed the tribunal’s decision, stating that it is a victory for academic freedom and the rights of workers to unionize. The union has also called on McGill to respect the ruling and to stop its attempts to delay the unionization process.
McGill, on the other hand, has expressed disappointment with the ruling and has stated that it will be reviewing its options. The university has also emphasized its commitment to academic freedom and its belief that the law professors should not be included in the union.
This ruling is a significant development in the ongoing battle between McGill and its employees over unionization. It remains to be seen how the university will respond to the tribunal’s decision and what impact it will have on the relationship between the university and its employees.
In the meantime, the AMUP will continue to work towards achieving union certification for the law professors and ensuring that their rights are protected. This decision serves as a reminder that all workers have the right to unionize and that employers must respect this fundamental right.
