Burnaby SFU students whose classes were cancelled last week because of the snow are now feeling the impact of a transit bus strike that began early Monday morning.
The university sent an email to students at 6:20 a.m. to announce the bus and SeaBus system shutdown and to say classes might be cancelled, moved online or provided "asynchronously" (methods including pre-recorded lecture videos and lessons).
Students were encouraged to check for messages from their instructors to find out the status of their classes.
The university first warned students Friday of possible strike-related disruptions this week.
"We recognize that the majority of our students rely on transit, and a shutdown of this magnitude will have a large impact," stated the email. "In preparation for this potential disruption, we are making every effort for classes to continue either online or asynchronously; however, in some cases classes may need to be cancelled. Further information will be provided by instructors."
The transit disruptions come on the heels of several days of cancelled classes last week because of the snow.
"We recognize (it has) been a challenging time for our community. Thank you for your patience and understanding," stated Friday's email. "We are hopeful that an agreement can be reached between all parties."
But the Coast Mountain Bus Company and CUPE 4500, the union representing transit supervisors, failed to reach a deal by a 3 a.m. deadline Monday set by the union.
Bus and SeaBus services are now suspended for 48 hours for most of the region.
At BCIT, classes and exams are proceeding as scheduled, according to a notice Monday morning.
The institute encouraged students to plan ahead for their Monday commute and consider ride sharing or carpooling.
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