Overview
- CUPE Local 3912 members at Saint Mary’s University walked out at 8:30 a.m. Thursday after talks hit an impasse Wednesday night, joining Mount Saint Vincent University colleagues who began striking at 12:01 p.m. Wednesday.
- The union says members have halted teaching, assigning and grading as they push for higher wages, health benefits, pensions and stronger job security.
- At SMU, union proposals include improved stipends and guaranteed contracts after teaching a set number of courses over three consecutive years, with the union noting part-time instructors there are among the lowest paid and lack a health plan and pension.
- University officials at MSVU and SMU expressed disappointment, pledged to continue bargaining and highlighted concerns about the impact on students and continuity of instruction.
- Picket lines and rallies formed at MSVU, including along Bedford Highway, and the actions follow a recent Dalhousie lockout that ended in mid-September, with a tentative agreement reported there earlier this week.