Several hundred MUN students and striking professors were undeterred by the blustery winter weather as they rallied over the lunch hour in St. John’s.

They gathered outside the Arts and Administration building in carnival fashion, dancing, beating drums and singing — including the Ode to Newfoundland — in a show of labour strength and solidarity.

And, of course, singing of the Ode. ⁦@VOCMNEWS⁩ pic.twitter.com/s0a9Y2hJBn

— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) February 3, 2023

They were also joined by reps of academic unions across the country who flew in for the event.

Michael Shaw is with the University of Manitoba, and president of the Canadian Association of University Teachers’ defence fund. He says of all the picket lines he’s been a part of, the one a MUN is the most energized he’s ever seen, adding he wasn’t surprised given the passion of Newfoundlanders.

Peter McInnis, president of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, couldn’t resist citing similarities between the MUN strike and Groundhog Day. He says he understands ‘Vivacious Vianne” stuck here head out the window to see if she could see her shadow, but instead only saw picketers throughout the campus.

Spirits remain high among striking profs, and students who have joined them on the line. ⁦@VOCMNEWS⁩ pic.twitter.com/yCkW56yFzQ

— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) February 3, 2023

The temperature on the line was ratcheted up with word that MUN nurses would continue to be taught by non-union staff beginning on Monday.

MUNFA says while salaries and representation on the Board of Regents are important, they say the prime issue has now become respect for staff.