Students imprisoned in the crossfire between Dalhousie University and Faculty of Association
Labour Conflict at Dalhousie University Causes Concern for Students
As students across Nova Scotia and the country prepare to head back to universities and colleges, a constant labor conflict at Dalhousie University in Halifax has caused some to pause their plans.
Dalhousie Faculty Association Locked Out
Last week, Dalhousie University locked out members of the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA), including approximately 1,000 professors, librarians, and other teaching staff. This lockout comes less than two weeks before students are set to return for the autumn semester, following stalled contract negotiations between the two parties.
In June, 85.5 percent of DFA members participated in a strike vote, with 91.2 percent in favor of strike action if an acceptable deal could not be reached.
Concerns for Students
The uncertainty surrounding the labor conflict has raised concerns among students, with many taking a “wait-and-see” approach. Maren Mealey, President of the Dalhousie Student Union, expressed worries about potential impacts on students’ academic progress and credits.
“People are worried about what a long-term labor conflict looks like, whether it means losing weeks of the semester or credits,” said Mealey.
Impact on Classes
While the campus remains open, all classes taught by DFA members have been suspended. The university has advised students to still plan to arrive on campus, as residences and food services remain operational.
Mealey mentioned that while students are moving into residences and participating in orientation activities, the status of their classes remains uncertain. With 90 percent of classes typically taught by DFA members, many students may face delays in starting their coursework.
Key Issues in Dispute
The Faculty Association has highlighted wages and the reliance on Limited Term Contracts as key issues in the dispute. They are seeking wage increases that keep pace with inflation and address a nine percent real wage loss over the past decade.
On August 20, the university stated that their ability to increase faculty salaries is limited, offering a two percent annual salary increase for three years. The university emphasized the importance of protecting academic activities and minimizing further staff layoffs.
As the labor conflict continues, students and faculty alike are left uncertain about the future of their academic pursuits at Dalhousie University.
With files from the Canadian Press.
