(January 27, 2023, St. John’s) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Education and MHA for Conception Bay South, today questioned the absence of political, and executive leadership as the MUN faculty strike deadline looms.
Petten noted the Furey Government has been absent and silent on the pending strike and university administration are offering no options for students worried about their studies.

“Students are getting official notifications that their courses are ‘paused’, with no refund, and graduation maybe jeopardized. This is extremely worrisome for these students who are looking for political and executive leadership,” said Petten.

“Unfortunately, just like the paramedic job action this week, the Liberal Government seems to be waiting for picket signs to go up to take action.”

Petten pointed out the Furey Government waited some ten months and a total work stoppage to get involved in the Paramedic strike. This suspended critical emergency care in areas often without doctors and with closed emergency rooms.

“Where is the Minister? Has he picked up the phone to talk to the parties to try to help negotiations? “Where is the President?” said Petten.

“Is MUN offering anything more to worried students than information on how to cross a picket line?”

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