Nursing students in their final year at MUN are heading back to school to resume their clinicals today following a controversial ruling from the university last week.

The status of about 69 nursing students was put into jeopardy when the MUNFA strike began, because that paused the final round of clinicals needed for the students to graduate, and start working, on time.

Last week MUN made the decision to resume clinicals today using non-unionized academic staff, a decision that has caught the ire of the striking union.

MUNFA calls it a “major escalation of the labour dispute by administrators” that puts into question the quality of clinical training being provided. As well, they worry that the decision could violate other collective agreements.

For student Madison Bailey, the return to class comes with mixed emotions.

She says they’re excited to get back to class so they can graduate on time, but they are still standing in solidarity with their striking instructors.