Mount Saint Vincent University invites striking faculty back to bargaining table

Part-time faculty at Mount Saint Vincent University have gone on strike. (Mike Lamb/CTV News Atlantic)

Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) has extended an invitation back to the bargaining table to roughly 200 part-time faculty members who have been striking for better wages and job security for more than a week.

MSVU members from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912 officially went on strike on Oct. 22 following its last round of negotiations with the university the previous day.

Dozens of classes have been suspended due to the strike, but all university services remain open.

Isabelle Nault, vice-president of administration for the university, said their bargaining team has asked the union to return to the bargaining table with a provincially-appointed conciliator.

“We maintain our commitment to reaching a fair collective agreement with CUPE Local 3912 that reflects MSVU’s unique mission and financial context,” Nault said in an email.

Lauren McKenzie, president of CUPE Local 3912, said they will “consider any reasonable offer” from the university. She noted their committee will need to discuss their next steps.

“Our members are very motivated on their strike so if that’s motivated the Mount to make an offer, then we’re here to receive it,” she said. “The ball is in their court. A good offer would end the strike.”

MSVU part-time instructors are looking for wage increases and the removal of restrictions on members’ academic freedom to teach and assess. McKenzie said they’re also opposed to the university’s evaluation process.

“At the Mount, we’re up against a very opaque and unfair evaluation process that can strip members of their seniority,” she said. “The only job security members have is precedence. They have to reapply for their job every term. We’ve had several members lose their precedence this year.

“Members are upset with this process. To have an evaluation process that doesn’t give meaningful feedback, it’s untenable. We can’t abide it.”

SMU strike

CUPE Local 3912 is also representing part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s University (SMU), who went on strike on Oct. 23 following failed negotiations for a new collective agreement.

Members are asking for improved stipends and proposals on faculty appointments and contract timelines. They are also seeking guaranteed work for instructors who have taught with the university for at least three consecutive years.

The collective agreements for part-time faculty at SMU and MSVU expired in August 2024.

Roughly 150 part-time SMU instructors are seeking improved stipends and proposals on faculty appointments and contract timelines, along with guaranteed work for instructors who have taught with the university for at least three consecutive years.

Delia Macpherson, manager of media relations and issues management with SMU, said they are “committed to reaching a fair agreement in good faith.”

Financial support

CUPE says university unions from across Canada have donated more than $23,000 to the MSVU and SMU strikes in the last week.

“For a lot of folks, this is their first real understanding of solidarity in the labour movement,” McKenzie said. “It’s been incredibly empowering and uplifting. It’s stressful to be on strike but they’re very much into this now. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who’s out there on the lines.”

Dalhousie agreement

Prior to the MSVU and SMU strike, Dalhousie University struck a tentative agreement with its part-time faculty and teaching assistants. CUPE members from the university voted 85 per cent in favour ratifying the agreement this week.

“Dalhousie came to the table ready to meaningfully negotiate,” McKenzie said. “Our deal at Dalhousie was strong.

“The deal wasn’t perfect. There are still gains to be made.”

McKenzie said striking faculty will be back on the picket lines on Monday.

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