Part-time faculty, Saint Mary’s University reach tentative deal; classes could resume Monday

Saint Mary’s University and its part-time faculty have reached a tentative agreement, potentially ending a three-week strike.

Part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s University, who have been on strike for three weeks, have reached a tentative agreement over wages and vacation pay.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912, which represents roughly 150 part-time instructors at the Halifax university, says its negotiating committee reached the tentative deal with the university. Members have started voting on the agreement.

Staff went on strike on Oct. 23, seeking improved stipends and guaranteed work for instructors who have taught at the university for at least three consecutive years. They have been without a collective agreement since August 2024.

CUPE says the tentative deal includes a wage adjustment, an increase from three years to five years for reappointments, increased vacation pay and a reduction of stipend steps.

The union says all part-time staff who had a contract with Saint Mary’s from Fall 2022 to Fall 2025 can participate in the ratification vote for the proposed deal.

In a separate news release, Saint Mary’s said it expects all classes and labs that were suspended due to the strike to resume on Monday, depending on the ratification vote.

“The university extends its sincere appreciation to both negotiating teams and the conciliator for their dedicated work to reach this positive outcome,” the release reads. “We will provide a further update once the ratification process has concluded.”

The Saint Mary’s senate will have a special meeting on Nov. 19 to develop academic guidance for the paused classes.

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