Dalhousie teaching assistants, part-time instructors approve strike mandate
Dalhousie University Employees Overwhelmingly Vote in Favor of Strike Mandate
Dalhousie University employees, including part-time instructors and teaching assistants, have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike mandate in anticipation of conciliation talks with the university in October.
Second Contract Dispute
This marks the second contract dispute for Dalhousie University, with 1,000 members of the Dalhousie Faculty Association currently on the picket line due to a lockout.
Union Support
In a statement released on Friday, CUPE Local 3912 announced that 87.7% of its members at Dalhousie voted in favor of the strike mandate.
Key Issues
The union is advocating for fair wages that align with the cost of living in Halifax, improved job security, and access to basic health benefits for its members.
Next Steps
Conciliation talks between the union and the university are scheduled for October 2. The union expressed its determination to secure a fair and equitable contract during these negotiations.
“The university now understands that we are committed to achieving a contract that is just and fair for all,” the union stated in the release.
Impact on Classes
Classes at Dalhousie University are set to begin on Tuesday, but those taught by DFA members are currently suspended. Classes led by non-DFA members, including part-time instructors, will proceed as scheduled.
Previous Strike
CUPE Local 3912 members at Dalhousie previously went on strike in 2022 after prolonged contract negotiations. The strike resulted in a ratified contract offering significant pay raises for teaching assistants and part-time academic instructors.
Current Negotiations
In response to the strike mandate, Dalhousie University stated that negotiations for a new agreement began in the spring. The university remains optimistic about reaching a resolution and noted that no strike action can occur until after conciliation and a 14-day cooling-off period.
