---
title: "University of Ottawa part-time professors on strike, courses suspended"
description: "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."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/on/ottawa-2026/news/uottawa-professors-strike-november-2026"
last_updated: "2026-11-08T20:44:58.822Z"
---

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](/on/ottawa-2026/tracker).

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