The University of Lethbridge Faculty Association (ULFA) launched its strike vote at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, asking members if they support going on strike.
Bargaining has lasted over 600 days, with the 14-day cooling-off period following failed mediation expiring on January 31.
Faculty want improved job security, a fair income, and better working conditions, among other things.
Post-secondary colleges rarely strike, according to Dan O’Donnell, president of the ULFA.
“Truly, the hope in this circumstance is that if we can show our members are willing to strike if necessary, we can avoid going that far because both sides will be motivated to (sit down) at the table and really attempt to come up with a compromise,” he explained.