TORONTO, January 17, 2001 -- York University today indicated it will be defending a class action lawsuit which has been launched by five students in the wake of a strike by the university’s teaching and graduate assistants and contract professors.

"We are reviewing the suit, and intend to defend it on its merits," said York University Secretary and General Counsel Harriet Lewis. "The term has resumed, the year will be completed with academic integrity, and students will graduate on time."

The Bursary Fund to assist students in financial difficulty will be extended to cover nine months and additional funds will be added as needed, she noted, adding that the university has extended students’ parking decals and on-campus residence contracts to help students who might be affected. "We hope that all students will avail themselves of the help that is being offered by the many areas of the university."

The university did not want a strike, Lewis added. "The university’s objective in negotiations was a fair and reasonable settlement achieved as quickly as possible. It is regrettable that an agreement satisfactory to both sides took so long."

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For more information, please contact:

Cim Nunn
Director, Media Relations
York University
416-736-2100, ext. 22087
cimnunn@yorku.ca
YU/003/01