Carleton University in Ottawa could face a strike as early as Thursday if it can't reach an agreement with 800 professional, office and technical employees.

Carleton's two largest unions held an information picket Monday morning at the two main entrances to the university, at Bronson Avenue and Colonel By Drive.

Employees negotiating a contract under Local 2424 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) are in a legal strike position Thursday.

Meanwhile, 2,200 teaching assistants and contract instructors represented by Local 4600, are also bargaining, and are in a position to go on strike next Monday, according to union spokesman Dan Sawyer.

Both locals distributed pamphlets to students and staff entering campus but were not permitted to slow traffic.

The bargaining teams are seeking what they call adequate and fair voluntary retirement or buyout packages.