Updates

The memo below was sent to all Dalhousie students on October 14, 2020. 

MEMORANDUM

To:                   Dalhousie students

From:              Verity Turpin, Vice-Provost Student Affairs (Acting)

Date:               October 14, 2020

Re:                   Negotiations with Dalhousie Faculty Association

Every few years, the University enters into collective bargaining with our employee unions to negotiate new contracts. Dalhousie is currently bargaining with the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA), with a Province-appointed conciliator recently assigned to assist in the negotiations.

For up-to-date information on the collective bargaining process, I encourage you to visit the Dalhousie’s Labour Relations website, which has the latest updates, definitions of important terms, and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

As some of you may have heard, the DFA announced last week that its members have passed a majority strike vote.

Here’s what that means and what it doesn’t mean:

• It does not mean faculty are going to strike. A strike vote is a normal part of the collective bargaining process, a step commonly taken by unions ahead of conciliation to show a willingness to strike only if the negotiations are not successful. No strike can take place while bargaining continues. The University and the DFA are still in bargaining, with dates scheduled for later this month.
• It does mean faculty are serious about the issues being discussed at the negotiating table. The University takes them seriously, too. That’s why Dalhousie is committed to working with all our employee groups, including the DFA, on solutions to the important issues at hand.

We’re optimistic an agreement with the DFA will be reached with the aid of the conciliator and will be providing regular updates to students on Dalhousie’s Labour Relations website.

Regards,

Verity Turpin

Vice-Provost Student Affairs (Acting)