On November 5th, The Muse released a story highlighting the ongoing negotiations and conflict between Memorial University (MUN) and the Graduate Students’ Union (GSU).
The article included MUN’s response to the GSU negotiations.
However, this document highlights, unedited, the specific questions asked by The Muse and Memorial’s response.
The Muse’s Questions
The GSU have made several comments regarding their discussions with MUN and current negotiations regarding the Service Level Agreement with the GSU. Would Memorial be able to answer the following questions:
1. Does Memorial have a statement regarding the current discussions with GSU in regards to the Service Level Agreement negotiations and a potential future MOU?
2. Can Memorial confirm or deny that they have communicated to the GSU that if an agreement is not reached, some or all services provided by the university, to the GSU, will stop?
3. Can Memorial confirm or deny that they have communicated to the GSU that if an agreement is not reached, the university will stop collecting union dues for the GSU?
4. Can Memorial confirm or deny that they have communicated to the GSU that if an agreement is not reached, then the university will stop payroll services provided to the GSU?
5. Can Memorial confirm or deny that they have communicated to the GSU that if an agreement is not reached, then the university will stop services related to health and dental to the GSU?
6. Can Memorial confirm or deny that they have communicated to the GSU that if an agreement is not reached, then the university will stop helping the GSU with CFS dues?
7. Can Memorial confirm or deny that they have communicated to the GSU that if an agreement is not reached, then the university will terminate their lease renewal agreement with the GSU?
8. Can Memorial confirm or deny that they are asking for financial statements from the GSU?
9. Can Memorial confirm or deny that they are trying to restrict the GSU’s access to the Banner system?
MUN’s Response
“The university provides many services to the GSU at no charge arising from the university’s desire to assist the GSU in managing its affairs.
A Service Level Agreement was entered into between Memorial University and the GSU on April 29, 2025. Under the agreement, the University agreed to provide certain services in exchange for enhanced transparency and accountability regarding the GSU’s operations and resources. The agreement arose following issues relating to GSU’s administration of graduate student health insurance payments, which created a risk to the continuity of insurance coverage for graduate students. The agreement established a framework through which the University and the GSU could work together to address those concerns.
In 2026 the GSU elected to give notice to terminate the service agreement. The university has been trying to work with the GSU to address any concerns they may have had with the agreement but has also advised the GSU that in the absence of an agreement, certain services may no longer be available.
The GSU’s lease expired in July 2026. This means the GSU is currently overholding the lease. By the terms of the lease this means that the tenancy converts to a month-to-month arrangement with either party required to give only 30 days’ notice to terminate. The parties are currently entering discussion on a new lease.
Agreements are an important part of ensuring accountability and performance for both parties.
Memorial remains committed to working collaboratively with the GSU and university representatives remain available to discuss a new services agreement at any time and hope to enter into a new agreement before the end of 2026.”