Dalhousie University, union say labour disruption possible as negotiations continue

The Dalhousie University sign is pictured. (Source: Stephanie Tsicos/CTV News Atlantic)

The Dalhousie Faculty Association is continuing its negotiations with the board of governors next week following a two-week break as its president says university classes could be interrupted if a deal isn’t reached.

The union will meet with the board on Monday following a 14-day countdown triggered by the conciliation officer filing a “no board report” in mid-July, which indicates a bargaining impasse.

Janet Bryson, director of strategic communications and media relations with Dalhousie University, said if an agreement is not reached, a labour disruption – be it a strike or lockout – could be possible as early as next week.

“The university remains committed to reaching a fair agreement at the bargaining table,” Bryson said in an email. “In the event of a disruption, Dalhousie will communicate promptly and widely with all faculty, staff, and students through this site, email, and other established channels.”

David Westwood, president of the Association, said the board of governors walked away from the negotiation table early in the process, accusing them of being “extremely aggressive” during bargaining.

“It was not our intention to be at an impasse this early,” he said. “We’ve been very clear that we will not call a strike in August. That would be hugely devastating to students and members.

“We don’t want a work stoppage.”

Last month, a majority of Association members voted in favour of going on strike if they can’t reach an acceptable deal.

Westwood said a lockout would impact more than 1,000 members who work as full-time professors, librarians, counsellors and instructors across all Dalhousie campuses.

“An August lockout would disrupt a lot of teaching,” he said. “It’s also a top month when graduate students are defending their theses. All those defences would be terminated if there’s a lockout. Our members would be unable to do the preparations to get ready for September.”

According to the Dalhousie website, in the event of a strike or lockout, campus would stay open and classes taught by Association faculty members would be suspended. Westwood said the “90-10” clause requires that 90 per cent of all teaching at Dalhousie be done by Association members.

Westwood said the possible lockout would be the first of its kind for a U15 Canada university. It is an association of the 15 leading research universities in the country.

Negotiations

The Association’s previous three-year contract expired at the end of June. Negotiations began in May and a conciliation officer joined the process in June.

Westwood said one of the Association’s key requests is to bring wages in line with the cost of living. They have proposed a wage increase of seven per cent in the first year and four per cent in the second and third years for a total of 15 per cent.

The Association says Dalhousie has offered a total increase of six per cent over three years.

“Throughout the negotiation process, the Board has made significant efforts to respond to the concerns raised by the DFA—particularly in the area of compensation,” Bryson said.

In a statement released late last month, the university cited “significant financial challenges” in meeting the Association’s wage increase request.

“The financial gap between these two proposals is vast,” the statement reads. “Given the scope of the budget challenge we are facing, the DFA proposal is more than Dalhousie can afford.

“There are limits to what we can offer in our current financial situation without threatening critical programs, services, and supports.”

Westwood said the Association is also focused on improving access to child care through their employer and helping faculty members who have joined in the post-COVID-19 era.

“They’ve been on the receiving end of inflation,” Westwood said.

Westwood said the Association is hoping to “get a deal done” with the board of governors at the Monday meeting.

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