the journal Queen’s University
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Vol. 152, Issue 25
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Friday, March 14, 2025
Queen’s rules against divestment
Graduate student workers picket on Monday.
Board of Trustees accepts Review Committee’s recommendation, citing cost concerns PHOTO BY MEGHRIG MILKON and portfolio risk
2,000 graduate student workers walk off the job
‘We are worth a million times more than what you presented to our team today,’ PSAC 901 said M eghrig M ilkon Senior News Editor
This story first appeared online on March 10. After rejecting an “offensive” offer from the University, graduate student workers represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) 901, Unit 1, have walked off the job. The union, which represents approximately 2,000 Graduate Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, and Graduate Research Assistants, failed to reach a tentative agreement to renew their Collective Agreement, which expired on April 30. After the union filed a No Board Report on Feb. 21, talks broke down on March 10, prompting the union to strike. “[Queen’s] we will not stand for this disgusting treatment. Members
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of PSAC 901 are the reason why this university functions. We are worth a million times more than what you presented to our team today,” PSAC 901 said in an Instagram post early Monday morning. The union accused the University of showing “horrific disrespect” at the bargaining table, saying they had no choice but to strike. At the heart of the union’s demands is wage increases, particularly to counter the effects of Bill 124, which previously capped public sector wage increases at one per cent per year before its repeal in February 2024. The union is calling for a $1,500 lump sum payment to offset past wage suppression, along with a four to six per cent wage increase moving forward. In a Labour News update released early this morning, Queen’s confirmed no tentative agreement had been reached despite “best efforts” during negotiations. The University assured students classes would continue as schedules and advises them to allow extra time to get to class due to potential picket line disruptions. Story continued online at queensjournal.ca
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M eghrig M ilkon Senior News Editor This story first appeared online on March 13. Queen’s Board of Trustees has ruled out divesting from companies doing business in or with the State of Israel, rejecting a student-led demand after a nine-month review process. In a March 13 announcement, the University confirmed its Board of Trustees accepted Principal’s Review Committee for Responsible Investing’s recommendation against withdrawing its pooled endowment and investment funds from companies operating with or in the State of Israel. The Committee also recommended against introducing a negative screening process for future investments, citing concerns over higher costs and increased portfolio risk—factors cited as incompatible with the Board of Trustees fiduciary responsibilities. “The decision by the Board of Trustees to accept the recommendations of the committee aligns with the Board’s duty to prudently manage the University’s investments and ensure the strength and sustainability of our academic
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mission into the future,” Principal Patrick Deane said in the Gazette. The ruling follows nearly a year of activism from Queen’s University Apartheid Divest (QUAD), the student-led group that submitted the special request in June 2024, and a 12-day encampment on campus. From August to mid-October, the Review Committee held consultations, receiving 44 in-person presentations representing the views of over 560 students, faculty, staff, alumni, benefactors, retirees, parents, and Kingston community members before concluding on Nov. 20. In addition to rejecting divestment, the committee recommended a revision of the University’s Responsible Investment Policy. Specifically, it advised that future requests should be required to articulate how they’re consistent with fiduciary responsibility and institutional neutrality.
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the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples.
Since 1873
NEWS — PAGE 3
Board of Trustees increases tuition EDITORIALS — PAGE 5
Graduate students are right, but their strategy is wrong FEATURES — PAGE 6
Five years after COVID-19
SPORTS — PAGE 10
Cure Cancer Classic in photos ARTS & CULTURE — PAGE 13
‘Journal’ alumni share their best music memories While this policy is under review, Procedure 2 (Special Requests) will be suspended. “Should an issue arise that members of the Queen’s community feel strongly about, they are encouraged to contact the Secretariat’s Office,” the Gazette said.
The announcement was made on March 13.
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Situated on the traditional lands of
PHOTO BY NELSON CHEN
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