Many UofM students are frustrated by the strike.
It’s the second day of the strike, and students at the University of Manitoba are already getting frustrated.
Kyle Mirecki, third-year law student and Vice-President of Finance for the Manitoba Law Students’ Association (MLSA) has decided to do something about it. In an attempt to end the strike, Mirecki has begun circulating a petition asking the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba to exercise its power and legislate the academic staff back to work.
“The strike is severely disrupting and unreasonably delaying the students and faculty who wish to attend classes, and threatening the academic success of thousands of innocent students enrolled at the University of Manitoba who are working hard to complete their degrees. Students are already struggling to finance their degrees, graduate, and secure a fulfilling full-time career in today’s economy,” reads a statement from the petition website.
“Not all students and professors support UMFA’s position. Many students simply want to carry on with their studies,” said Mirecki.
One professor at the university has decided to cross the picket line, saying the strike is holding students hostage.
“I have no issue crossing the picket line whatsoever,” said James Blatz, a civil engineering professor at the university.
“Ultimately, the students are my greatest priority. When I look in the classroom I see a tremendous amount of anxiety and concern. This strike is probably going to impact their plans that are already in place for graduation times if delays are incurred,” said Blatz, who has experienced university strikes in the past, including one in 1995 while he was an undergraduate student.
