CUPE3912 STRIKE UPDATES & INFORMATION
TO: Dalhousie Students
FROM: Aparna Mohan, Dalhousie Student Union President |
Sydney Keyamo, Dalhousie Student Union VP Academic & External
SUBJECT: CUPE 3912 Strike Updates & Information
DATE: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
On October 12, 2022, CUPE 3912 announced their intentions to strike and cease work starting October 19th (today) due to Dalhousie University’s refusal to meet their demands for fair wages and working conditions. Dalhousie University concluded its negotiations yesterday (October 18th) and their final offer failed to get CUPE 3912 even halfway to wage parity with our peer institutions within the U-15, an association of 15 Canadian public research-intensive universities.
CUPE 3912 represents all Teaching Assistants (TAs), Part Time Academics (PTAs), Markers, and Demonstrators. CUPE 3912 has been in a legal strike position since April 2022 and remained without a collective agreement since 2020.
The Dalhousie Students’ Union (DSU) reaffirms its solidarity with CUPE 3912, and, as outlined in our prior statement, is calling on Dalhousie University to meet CUPE 3912’s rightful demands for living wages and fair working conditions as well as to facilitate a swift resolution to the labour disruption. Your Students’ Union remains persistent in asking questions, advocating for students and championing the best interests of the community. Please refer to this webpage for our most up-to-date responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the strike action. Please do not hesitate to contact your President and VP Academic & External with questions and concerns as we work through this together.
In solidarity,
Aparna Mohan, DSU President
Sydney Keyamo, DSU VP Academic & External
Strike f.a.q’s
Why is CUPE 3912 going on strike?
All negotiations between Dalhousie University and CUPE 3912 thus far have failed, forcing CUPE 3912 to strike to demonstrate the value of their labour to the University. Teaching Assistants' hourly wages have remained at $24.41 per hour which is almost $20 less than TAs working at peer institutions within the U15. Part-Time Academics’ base stipend has remained at $5,232 per course which is $2,000 below the national average. Many TA contracts are being replaced with marker or demonstrator contracts to enable Dalhousie to pay 40% less for the same amount and quality of work. Despite domestic and international tuition consistently increasing by at least 3% annually, TA and PTA compensation has stagnated for the past three years.
Is this strike legal?
Yes, a picket line is considered legal unless it is found to be illegal either by a Labour Relations Board ruling or by the courts. In Canada, strikes and collective action are protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Section 2.D). Dalhousie University does not decide the legality of a picket line.
Will the strike only impact those studying
at the Halifax campus?
No, CUPE 3912 represents workers at both the Halifax and Truro campuses.
How long will the strike last?
As long as it takes Dalhousie University to propose a fair deal. Negotiations have been going on for over 2 years and the employer has yet to offer a contract that meets the needs of CUPE 3912 and their members.
I am currently a Teaching Assistant at
Dalhousie University; how will this strike impact me?
For more information on how the strike will affect you, please visit CUPE 3912 website.
I am not a member of CUPE 3912, how can I show my support?
There are many ways you can support CUPE 3912 during the strike. Supporters are welcome to join members at the picket line starting on October 19th or they can sign the petition.
I am an international student; will the strike impact my student status?
No, a strike WILL NOT impact your student status.