Updates

Dalhousie Faculty Association declines interest arbitration

Memorandum to faculty and staff from: Grace Jefferies, Vice-President People and Culture

August 28, 2025

We learned this afternoon that the Dalhousie Faculty Association has declined the offer of interest arbitration, though that option remains open and available to them. 

We remain committed to reaching a resolution to this labour disruption. We know both parties want to restore stability on campus and minimize further disruption for our students, their supporters and our broader community. 

The bargaining teams representing the DFA and the Board of Governors were unable to reach an agreement through negotiations at the bargaining table earlier this month. The last formal offer from the DFA included wage increases of 3.75%, 4.75% and 5.75% over a three-year period, amounting to a $15 million dollar differential between their request and the offer from Dalhousie’s Board of Governors.

Earlier today, the DFA requested a return to the bargaining table with a refreshed financial mandate. We have reached an impasse on faculty wages and the distance between the two parties is significant enough that we do not feel progress will be made at the bargaining table. We believe the most effective path forward is introducing a neutral third-party arbitrator to help us reach an agreement. 

This is a difficult time for our entire campus community. We are grateful for your continued professionalism and care for one another as we navigate this challenging period together.

Sincerely,

Grace Jefferies  
Vice-President, People and Culture