University of Ottawa part-time professors on strike, courses suspended
Part-time professors at the University of Ottawa went on strike Saturday after contract talks broke down. The union represents 2,500 teaching professors who teach more than half of all courses at the university.
Reported. A news outlet found this. voche.me names the outlet and links its report. Read the original report on ctvnews.ca.
Part-time professors at the University of Ottawa went on strike at midnight on Saturday, November 7, after the university and their union failed to agree on a new contract, CTV News reported. The union says the strike affects teaching professors who deliver more than half of all courses at the university.
Who is affected
The Association of Teaching Professors at the University of Ottawa (ATPUO) represents 2,500 teaching professors, according to the union. CTV News reported that in the fall of 2025, the university employed 1,143 part-time professors, including part-time language teachers.
Many courses taught by part-time professors will be suspended during the strike. CTV News reported that the university says most co-op placements, internships, practicums and experiential learning activities are not affected. Labs and discussion groups run by teaching assistants or lab technicians also continue.
The university stays open. CTV News reported that the university said it is working to reduce the impact on students and "regrets the disruption and the stress this may cause."
What led to the strike
In September 2026, ATPUO members voted in favour of job action: 88.2 per cent of the main unit, 73.1 per cent of the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute unit, and 100 per cent of the Toronto-Windsor unit, CTV News reported.
The union says it is seeking better job security and protections. CTV News reported that the ATPUO has raised concerns about the university reducing protections against sexual harassment, increasing class sizes, the role of artificial intelligence in teaching, and the exclusion of part-time professors from decision-making bodies including the Board of Governors.
The university told CTV News that it remains committed to reaching a fair agreement. Picketing is expected to begin Monday, November 9.
Students can check the University of Ottawa's website for updates on which courses are suspended. Those who want to follow community decisions made by their elected councillors can visit the Ottawa promise tracker.
Questions this story answers
When did the University of Ottawa part-time professors go on strike?
The strike began at midnight on Saturday, November 7, 2026, according to the Association of Teaching Professors at the University of Ottawa (ATPUO). CTV News reported that picketing activities were expected to begin on Monday, November 9.
Who is on strike at the University of Ottawa?
The Association of Teaching Professors at the University of Ottawa (ATPUO) is on strike. CTV News reported that the union represents 2,500 teaching professors who teach more than half of all courses at the university. In the fall of 2025, uOttawa employed 1,143 part-time professors, including part-time language teachers.
What happens to University of Ottawa courses during the strike?
CTV News reported that many courses taught by part-time professors will be suspended during the strike. However, most co-op placements, internships, practicums and experiential learning activities are not affected. Labs and discussion groups run by teaching assistants or lab technicians are also not affected by the strike.
Is the University of Ottawa campus open during the strike?
Yes. CTV News reported that the University of Ottawa said the school remains open during the strike and is working to reduce the impact on students. The university said it regrets the disruption and the stress it may cause, and asked for patience and support from the university community during this time.
What is the union asking for in negotiations?
CTV News reported that the ATPUO is seeking better job security and protections for its members. The union recently raised concerns about the university reducing protections against sexual harassment, increasing class sizes, the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching work, and the exclusion of part-time professors from decision-making bodies including the Board of Governors.
What did the university say about reaching an agreement?
CTV News reported that the University of Ottawa said it remains committed to reaching a fair agreement. The university said part-time professors are valued members of the community and play an essential role in the learning experience of students and in the life of the university.
What vote led to the strike?
CTV News reported that in September 2026, ATPUO members voted in favour of job action. The main unit voted 88.2 per cent in favour, the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute unit voted 73.1 per cent in favour, and the Toronto-Windsor unit voted 100 per cent in favour.
Where can students find out how the strike affects their courses?
Students affected by the strike can check the University of Ottawa's own website for updates on course suspensions and what services remain available. Students who want to follow how Ottawa's elected officials respond to issues affecting residents can visit the Ottawa promise tracker at /on/ottawa-2026/tracker.
Sources
The pages this story draws on. Open one to check a claim yourself.
- CTV News: uOttawa part-time professors go on strikectvnews.ca
- University of Ottawauottawa.ca
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