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Many of you are aware that the University administration and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA), representing 1,212 professors, instructors, and librarians, have been bargaining for a new collective agreement for the past eight months. Last week UMFA asked its members to vote on possible strike action. Of the 1,212 UMFA members, 666 voted to support a strike mandate. We understand that many of you may be concerned about the impact a potential labour disruption may have on your studies. Please be assured that the University is doing its best to reach a settlement and avoid a strike. The University of Manitoba's highest priority is to provide stability for students through the timely conclusion of an agreement with UMFA. The U of M and UMFA bargaining teams are continuing to meet this week. In the meantime:

* All classes and other campus activities will continue as scheduled * Frequently asked questions regarding a labour disruption and its effect on students will be posted and regularly updated at www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfohttp://www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo * We are committed to providing you with up-to-date information as it becomes available. Updates will be communicated to you by the all-student email and will be available on the University website.

We are committed to keeping you informed while respecting the bargaining process. We will update you again as soon as possible. It is our hope that the next update can be an announcement of a settlement with UMFA.