Dalhousie University plans to restart negotiations with the union on Monday, following a two-week work stoppage
Dalhousie Faculty Lockout Disrupts Fall Semester
The fall semester at Dalhousie University has been disrupted by a lockout of the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA), representing nearly 1,000 professors, librarians, instructors, and professional counsellors. The lockout, which began on Aug. 21, has led to the suspension of all classes taught by union members.
The DFA's demands include a total increase of 14.25% over three years in wages, expanded parental leave benefits, access to child care, and increased flexibility of class scheduling policies for caregiving responsibilities. The university's final offer is a 6% increase across three years.
Last week, the board of governors offered interest arbitration to the union to end the lockout, but the Association rejected it. The Association later filed a bargaining complaint with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour.
In response, the board shared a revised formal offer with the Association, maintaining its position on interest arbitration and addressing "all remaining non-monetary issues." However, the Association has not accepted the board's revised formal offer.
The board of governors will meet with the DFA at the request of a provincially-appointed conciliator. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday. The university's leader in the competing negotiations with the DFA is not provided in the available search results.
Grace Jefferies, vice president of people and culture with Dalhousie, made the announcement in a news release. She stated that the revised formal offer from the board addresses increasing parental leave and offering additional permanent positions.
The DFA has called on the labour minister to order the board of governors back to the bargaining table. The Association has not returned to the bargaining table as per the board's request.
The lockout has caused significant disruption to the start of the fall semester, with many students left unsure about the status of their classes and academic progress. The university has not yet announced a plan to make up for the lost time.
This ongoing dispute highlights the need for a resolution that addresses the concerns of both the university and the faculty association, while ensuring a smooth and successful academic year for students.
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