FREDERICTON — Talks have resumed between both sides involved in a lockout at St. Thomas University in Fredericton.
The school locked out faculty on Dec. 27 after 10 months of negotiations, with wages and workload remaining the major issues.
The faculty association walked away from the bargaining table Friday and has threatened to hold a strike vote Monday if a settlement isn't reached.
University spokesman Jeffrey Carleton says the school wants to reach a deal by the end of today, but adds discussions could continue beyond that if “significant progress” is being made.
Mr. Carleton says the school is eager to resume classes on Thursday — already later than the semester was scheduled to begin.
He says student leaders at the university are being kept up to date on the negotiations as they drag on.
“They're not at the negotiating table, but we've set them up in an auxiliary room and they're going to be consulted and briefed,” Mr. Carleton said in an interview.
“The most important party in these negotiations is the students.”
