A conciliation meeting is scheduled today in Halifax to help end a labour dispute between Dalhousie University and its faculty association. The dispute has already caused significant disruptions on campus and has affected students, staff, and ongoing classes.
Two weeks ago, the university locked out about 1,000 professors, librarians, and other teaching and support staff after contract negotiations failed. As a result, many classes were canceled, leaving students without regular instruction. Some courses are continuing, however, with teaching assistants or part-time instructors who are not part of the union.
The main issue in the dispute is a wage disagreement. Dalhousie University offered a six-per-cent wage increase spread over three years. The Dalhousie Faculty Association, representing faculty members and staff, requested a 14-per-cent increase over the same period.
University officials have expressed willingness to continue negotiations. A spokesperson said the school welcomes today’s conciliation meeting as a step toward resolving the dispute and returning to normal operations.
As of July this year, senior lecturers and professors at Dalhousie earned between $123,000 and $217,000 annually. The faculty association says the wage proposal offered by the university does not match rising living costs and the demands for fair compensation, while the university cites budget limitations and sustainability concerns.
Union leaders say that while the faculty and staff are committed to teaching and supporting students, fair pay and working conditions are essential for long-term stability and quality education.
The lockout has affected many students, with classes canceled or delayed. Some courses continue with temporary instructors, but students are concerned about gaps in learning and potential delays in their studies.
The conciliation process aims to bring both sides back to the bargaining table with a neutral mediator to help find a compromise. Such meetings are often a key step in resolving disputes before further escalation, such as strikes or prolonged lockouts.
Conciliation is a process where an independent mediator helps both sides negotiate and reach an agreement. It is different from arbitration, where a decision is imposed. If today’s meeting is successful, faculty and the university may finalize a contract that ends the lockout and restores normal classes.
Both parties have expressed hope for a positive outcome, but the negotiation remains delicate. The university must balance fair compensation with budget constraints, while the faculty union seeks wages that reflect their workload and experience.
Students, faculty, and staff are watching closely as negotiations continue. A resolution would allow professors and other staff to return to campus, resume regular classes, and ensure stability for the upcoming academic year.
Until then, the conciliation meeting today will be closely followed as both sides work to prevent further disruption to education at Dalhousie University.
Dalhousie University and its faculty union meet today for conciliation amid a lockout affecting 1,000 staff. Wage disagreements, class disruptions, and student concerns are at the heart of the dispute, with hopes for a resolution.
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