Dalhousie University and Faculty Union Resume Negotiations Amid Lockout

Discussions between Dalhousie University and the Dalhousie Faculty Association resumed on September 8, 2025, as the institution enters the second week of a lockout affecting approximately 1,000 professors, librarians, and teaching staff. This lockout has already led to significant disruptions in classes at Atlantic Canada’s largest university. While some courses are still being conducted by teaching assistants and part-time instructors, the overall academic environment remains tense.

A conciliator appointed by the provincial government facilitated Monday’s negotiations. By the afternoon, details regarding any progress were not available, as neither the university nor the faculty association provided updates. Earlier in the day, Dalhousie spokesperson Janet Bryson expressed that the university’s board “welcomes the opportunity to continue to work towards resolving” the ongoing labour dispute.

Faculty Response and Student Support

On the picket lines near the engineering campus in downtown Halifax, assistant professor Chiranjeev Sanyal reported that morale among the faculty remains “very high.” With the resumption of talks, faculty members are optimistic about the potential for resolution. “We’re waiting to hear back from the meeting which is unfolding today,” Sanyal stated, highlighting that various demands are still on the table. He expressed concern that the university might selectively address only some of the issues raised.

Many faculty members have received encouragement from students who are directly impacted by the disruptions to their classes. Sanyal noted, “Students are in solidarity with us; they are understanding our cause and they are supporting our cause.”

Contract Negotiations and Salary Proposals

The faculty’s contract expired on June 30, 2025, and the university proposed annual wage increases of 2% for a three-year term. In contrast, the Dalhousie Faculty Association is advocating for more substantial increases: 3.75% in the first year, 4.75% in the second year, and 5.75% in the third year.

As of July, the maximum salary for a lecturer at Dalhousie stood at $123,000, while professors could earn up to $217,000. The stark contrast between the university’s offer and the faculty association’s proposal underscores the divisions that have led to the current stalemate.

The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to negotiate. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the academic community and students at Dalhousie University, as they navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing lockout.