Student Strike Compensation

To the CBU Community,

When the disruption of classes due to the Cape Breton University Faculty Union (CBUFA) strike first began, CBU committed to the principle that it would not financially benefit from the strike. While many campus-based services continued during the strike, we do regret any negative impact the disruption of classes had on students. Later today we will be issuing strike related compensation to students enrolled in winter term CBUFA classes.

All eligible students will have a credit applied to their Compass Student Account. Students with a credit balance can request a refund by submitting the Refund Request Form to studentaccounts@cbu.ca.

Over the past two weeks CBU has been consulting with officials of the CBU Students’ Union as to the approach and calculation of compensation amounts to be issued to students. It was agreed on that:

• compensation will be issued to those enrolled in winter term CBUFA courses only,
• the compensation amount will be calculated on a per course basis, and
• the compensation amount for international students will be higher than that of domestic students as international students pay more tuition and fees.

The amount of money available for distribution was determined by the duration of the strike and the faculty salary amount not paid to CBUFA members during the eight-day strike. At the urging of the CBU Student Union, CBU will be adding $220,000 to this total bringing the amount available for distribution to $940,000.

This level of funding will support a strike compensation payment of:

• $30 per three credit course for domestic students and
• $50 per three credit course for international students.

With a full course load comprised of up to five courses for eligible students, this means domestic students could receive as much as $150 and international students could receive as much $250 in strike related compensation.

On behalf of CBU, I would like to thank the CBUSU for their work on assisting us in determining a fair compensation package for students.

Sincerely,

Gordon MacInnis
Vice-President, Finance and Operations