FAQ: Strike Information
Accessing campus
CUPE Unit 1 will be on strike the morning of Monday, November 21. You should expect picket lines at some of the entry points to campus and you should anticipate significant delays. Please take this into consideration when planning your schedule and leave enough time to get to work and classes.
Students, faculty, employees and visitors to campus are encouraged to take public transit, carpool, walk or cycle to reduce vehicular traffic delays.
Accessing the campus by car
At the McMaster University central campus, you can expect delays at the Sterling Street and Cootes Drive entrances. Please respect that the McMaster University Medical Centre Main Street entrance should be reserved for emergency vehicles and patients who need access to this entrance.
Plan for extra time to access campus in a vehicle, expecting there will be picket lines present at the Sterling Street and Cootes Drive entrances. Parking lots will operate as normal.
Accessing the Campus by Bus
Public transit services will continue to come to campus, however there may be modifications to transit stops and delays.
Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) passengers will be dropped off and picked up at designated areas near campus. The HSR website outlines where the temporary stops will be located. Bus Stops on campus will be temporarily closed during the strike and will be signed accordingly. Off campus bus stops will have signage advising of rerouting as well.
GO Transit buses will not be accessing campus during the strike. Go buses will drop passengers off at designated stops just outside of campus. Please board GO Transit buses at the stop located at the corner of Main Street West and Emerson Street. Visit GO Transit’s webpage for real-time bus information.The Coach Canada stop remains the same.
DARTS vehicles will continue to access campus. Expect delays when accessing campus via DARTS.
Check public transit websites for the latest information:
Accessing the Campus by Foot or by Bike
Pedestrians and bike riders may anticipate some delays in crossing picket lines at the main entrances to campus. For health and safety reasons, pedestrians and bike riders are reminded to use approved and maintained paths or walkways as they enter campus.
Can I work from home during the strike?
The university is committed to providing the same, in-person services and supports that our students have come to expect. Leaders are encouraged to consider requests, and to find solutions where feasible while maintaining the same levels of in-person service.
Picketing Information
Can I cross the picket line?
All students, staff and faculty have the right to cross the picket line. The university’s priority is the safety of all community members, including those on the picket lines, and to encourage a culture of respect and understanding. Please be patient if you cross any picket line.
Where will picket lines be located?
Pickets will be at the entrances to campus at Sterling Street and Cootes Drive – expect delays. Main Street and King Street entrances to the hospital will remain open so to ensure access for emergency vehicles, and for individuals who need access to the hospital only.
The union will let individuals through who are accessing the daycare on campus.
How long will the picket line waits be?
Wait times for vehicles will vary. CUPE 3906 will be holding cars in line for a maximum of 4 minutes and letting 7 cars through once that time is up.
Traffic will be cleared should a backup interfere with major roads and intersections.
When will picket lines be happening on campus?
Picketing activities will occur Monday – Friday, from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
What picketing activities are permitted?
Picketers are legally permitted to:
- Carry signs stating the nature of the dispute
- Speak to people entering the property about their concerns
- Ask persons entering the property to join the picket line
- Provide informational material to people
Picketers are not legally entitled to:
- Interfere with employees who wish to work, or with students coming to campus to attend class, conduct research, etc.
- Construct physical barriers to block access to the university
- Trespass on university property to picket
- Interfere with Emergency Service Responders
Do I have to interact with people on the picket line when entering campus?
No. It is the choice of each individual whether they would like to engage or interact with people who are on the picket line. McMaster respects the rights of individuals to engage in legal picketing activities. When entering and exiting campus, please remain respectful to picketers and avoid confrontation.
Safety and Security
We thank our community members for respecting one another. We are one community that values every member and seeks to find common ground and solutions.
McMaster University Security Services will be monitoring picket activity in an effort to maintain public safety. Hamilton Police Services will support Security Services as required.
Security Services can be reached at:
Tel: 905-525-9140 ext 24281, or dial “88″ from any university phone
Email: security@mcmaster.ca
Download the McMaster University Safety App for iPhone or for android.