At the May onboarding retreat for new department association executives, the Arts and Science Faculty of Associations announced their intention to support students in mobilizing for a one-week strike in lieu of a reading week in October of 2022.
Why a Reading Week Strike?
The reason we are striking is because despite years of student advocacy– Concordia continues to refuse to implement a Fall Reading week to give students a much needed break. This Week long strike is an opportunity for students to show the Admin our collective power, and build community while taking time away from lectures.
How do I know if my department is on strike?
ASFA will post a schedule including the course code and time off ALL Arts and Science classes on strike between October 3-7. This will be made available on our website, newsletter and social media.
Should I attend my classes in other departments if my department is on strike?
Yes, if you have classes outside of your department you need to attend that class during the strike week– unless that department is also on strike. Otherwise you will risk academic penalty.
How do I participate in the strike?
Passive Participation: Don’t show up to class.
Active Participation: Show up to your class and support in picketing– ie. handing out flyers.
What is picketing? Why is it necessary?
In order to enforce the strike successfully– students need to block access to their classes. This is done through picketing, which is essentially just standing in front of classes and reminding students that the class is canceled due to the strike.
What is picketing? Why is it necessary?
Concordia has an interest in discouraging student protests and therefore would prefer if we striked “symbolically” (without picketing). However, the power of a strike comes from strength in numbers. Picketing is how we enforce the strike AND make sure that we have each other’s backs.
