The salaries of Dalhousie have fallen by 9% behind inflation: the faculty association says
The Dalhousie Faculty Association Calls for Fair Adjustments Amid Financial Struggles
The Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) has raised concerns about the financial challenges faced by its members, emphasizing the need for fair adjustments to address the rising costs of living and provide essential support.
DFA President Dave Westwood highlighted these issues in a statement released on Monday following the recent lockdown of faculty members by the university.
Financial Struggles and Salary Disparities
According to the university’s financial report for 2024-25, Dalhousie faculty salaries have fallen behind inflation by 9 percent, placing them below the U15 average. The DFA pointed out that assistant professors, in particular, earn approximately $7,000 less than the national median, forcing some to take on second jobs or consider leaving the university altogether.
Westwood emphasized the need for increased provincial investments in post-secondary education to address these disparities and provide much-needed support to faculty members.
Rejection of University Offer
Members of the DFA overwhelmingly voted against the university’s offer, with 83 percent opposing the proposal put forth by the Board of Governors. This decision came after the university locked out around 1,000 professors, librarians, and other teaching staff just weeks before the start of the fall semester.
Salary Disparities Across Universities
A report from Statistics Canada in November 2024 revealed that the median wage for full-time teaching staff at U15 universities was $151,700, marking a 3.9 percent increase from the previous academic year. The report also highlighted significant disparities in salaries between U15 and non-U15 universities, with the latter earning only 89.3% of the median salary of their U15 counterparts.
These findings underscore the urgent need for fair compensation and support for faculty members across all universities to ensure a sustainable and equitable academic environment.
