Guidance for picket lines

The university has heard concerns that Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU) members are preventing access to certain buildings and roadways this morning.

Last updated, June 15, 1:00 p.m. - This message has been updated to correct the bullet about needing to show ID. We apologize for this error in our communication.

Under the B.C. Labour code, TSSU are obligated to allow safe and unimpeded passage for anyone choosing to cross picket lines. Road closures and barricades are not permitted. 

SFU respects TSSU’s legal right to strike, but does not condone activity outside the labour code.

Individuals who choose to cross a picket line must be allowed to do so. Please contact Campus Public Safety if there are any issues with access, 778-782-7991.

Who can cross a picket line?

All students who are not members of TSSU (both graduate students and undergraduate students) are free to conduct themselves in a strike situation as they see fit in accordance with university policy and procedures. To be clear, this includes crossing picket lines if they chose to do so.

Faculty can choose whether they want to cross a picket line, and employees who belong to unions or employee groups will have received guidance from their responsible union or employee group about what to do if there are picket lines.

The safety of our community is our priority. Please be aware of the following if you are crossing a picket line:

• Having university identification on hand is important when you need building access through Campus Public Safety, but you do not need to show identification to picketers or picket captains to enter a university building or cross a strike line. Picketers and picket captains have no right to capture your image or ID as well.

• Avoid confrontation:
  • Do not become embroiled in discussion
  • Do not respond to threats or taunts

What do I do if I am being prevented from crossing a picket line?

If you are being prevented from crossing a picket line, do not try to force your way in or out of a building. Instead, please:

1. Attempt to speak politely and factually to the picketers or picket captain and explain your legal right to cross the picket line.
2. If the picketers do not respond and continue to block your way, ask for their names.
3. If the picketer and/or picket captain will not give theirnames, note the date, time, exact location, and a description of the picket captain, and then remove yourself from the situation.
4. Phone your immediate supervisor and Campus Public Safety to report the incident.
5. Attempt to enter through another entrance.

Complete a Strike Incident Report Form as soon as you arrive and forward it to safe@sfu.ca

How do I report inappropriate behaviour?

If you witness or experience inappropriate behaviour, such as intimidation or vandalism, please call Campus Public Safety’s emergency line (Tel: 778 782 4500).

Take note of the time of the incident, descriptions of people involved, and what actions were taken, so that you can provide as much detail as possible on the Strike Incident Reporting Form.