Part-Time Faculty at Saint Mary’s University to Strike Starting Thursday

Part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax will commence strike action on October 5, 2023, starting at 08:30 a.m. This decision follows unsuccessful negotiations between the faculty union, CUPE 3912, and university officials on Wednesday. The strike will bring significant disruption to the university, which is grappling with ongoing labor disputes.

This action mirrors recent developments at Mount Saint Vincent University, where part-time faculty also represented by CUPE took similar steps earlier this week. The primary concerns highlighted by the union at both institutions center around job security and wages.

CUPE 3912 has been vocal about the need for better conditions for its members, emphasizing that the issues affecting part-time faculty are widespread across various educational institutions in the region. The union’s leaders argue that inadequate pay and a lack of job stability are detrimental not only to faculty but also to students, who depend on a committed teaching staff.

The decision to strike marks a critical juncture in the labor relations at Saint Mary’s University. As negotiations broke down, CUPE 3912 felt compelled to take direct action to advocate for their rights and demand fair treatment.

Union representatives have called for support from the wider community and have urged students and their families to understand the necessity of their actions. They argue that addressing these issues is essential for the long-term viability of quality education within the province.

As the situation unfolds, both students and faculty at Saint Mary’s University will be closely monitoring developments. The outcome of this strike could set a precedent for similar negotiations at other institutions across the country.

Moving forward, it remains to be seen how university officials will respond to the strike and whether further negotiations can lead to a resolution that addresses the concerns raised by CUPE 3912.