Dalhousie University and Faculty Union Resume Negotiations Amid Lockout

Negotiations have resumed between Dalhousie University and the Dalhousie Faculty Association as the lockout of approximately 1,000 faculty members, librarians, and teaching staff enters its second week. The situation has disrupted classes at Atlantic Canada’s largest university, with many courses canceled during the critical early weeks of the fall semester. Some classes continue, taught by non-union teaching assistants and part-time instructors.

Conciliator Involved as Talks Progress

On Monday, the parties met with a conciliator appointed by the provincial government. As of the afternoon, reports indicated uncertainty regarding the progress made during the discussions, with neither the university nor the faculty association providing updates. Janet Bryson, a spokesperson for Dalhousie, expressed the university’s commitment to resolving the ongoing labour dispute, stating, “The board welcomes the opportunity to continue to work towards resolving this issue.”

Outside the engineering campus in downtown Halifax, faculty members, including Chiranjeev Sanyal, an assistant professor at the pharmacy school, maintained a strong presence on the picket lines. Sanyal noted that morale among the faculty remains “very high” as they await news from the negotiations. “We’re waiting to hear back from the meeting which is unfolding today… various demands are on the table,” he explained. The faculty is hopeful but aware that some proposals may be prioritized over others.

Impact on Students and Faculty Proposals

While faculty members strike, students have expressed solidarity, showing understanding of the disruptions confronting their education. “Students are in solidarity with us; they are understanding our cause and they are supporting our cause,” Sanyal remarked, highlighting the connection between faculty and students during this challenging period.

The faculty’s contract expired on June 30, and the university has proposed a wage increase of 2 percent annually over the next three years. In contrast, the faculty association is advocating for more substantial increases of 3.75 percent in the first year, 4.75 percent in the second, and 5.75 percent in the third. Currently, the maximum salary for a lecturer at Dalhousie is $123,000, while professors can earn up to $217,000.

This ongoing situation has significant implications for the university community, particularly as the lockout continues to impact both teaching staff and students. As negotiations unfold, the focus remains on reaching a resolution that addresses the needs of all parties involved.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 8, 2025.