LSA Statement— May 11

To: McGill University 

cc: Association of McGill Law Professors (AMPL)

The LSA Executive Council (LSA EC) urges McGill University (the University) to promptly restart negotiations with the Association of McGill Law Professors (AMPL).  

On April 11th, AMPL notified the University of its intention to start a strike of unlimited duration starting April 24th if no agreement in principle was reached. The University declined their proposal and has set the next meeting date for negotiations with AMPL as late as June 7th. This falls after the graduation ceremony for the class of 2024. 

This unacceptable delay significantly impacts the student community. It severely hinders academic progress, undermining students’ job prospects, bar school applications, and their ability to effectively plan their degrees. This delay has also caused undue stress and uncertainty for all students, especially those in vulnerable situations.

The LSA EC demands a swift resolution. Promptly engaging in transparent and respectful negotiations would demonstrate the University’s willingness to prioritize student interests, which is to ensure they receive a world-renowned legal education from professors who are active participants in the direction and future of their faculty.

Members of the Faculty’s administration recently expressed pride following the improvement of McGill Law’s global rank position. The current state of affairs poses an imminent threat to our faculty's reputation. We ask the administration to consider the impact this prolonged period will have on McGill Law’s global reputation, where there will be no academic publications nor conference presentations. This dispute has been corrosive to our community and self-destructive to our reputation. Despite the frustration, the harm is reparable. The LSA EC remains confident that, by working together, all stakeholders can and will fix what is broken.

Time is of the essence. Students are frustrated, confused, and feel abandoned. It must not be forgotten that this labour dispute does not only oppose and affect two parties: we students are placed at its very center as we bear the brunt of this extended strike.

Therefore, LSA EC reminds all parties involved that we will not accept a position as collateral. We will continue to center student voices throughout this conflict, as we remain ready to act when students’ interests are directly and severely impacted.  

Signed,

The McGill Law Students Association Executive Council