Faculty & Staff Relations at the Mount

The Mount has a strong history of positive relations with its faculty and staff. Each of the five unions representing Mount faculty and staff have mature collective agreements that guide the employment relationships of its members. We are proud to have built strong relationships with our unions where concerns are addressed in an effective and respectful manner.

MSVU Faculty Association: Update

June 30, 2021

I am writing to share the news that the university’s Board of Governors and the MSVU Faculty Association (MSVUFA) have ratified a roll-over agreement which will see the continuation of the MSVUFA current collective agreement for an additional two years, with limited modifications. The many uncertainties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic made a roll-over agreement an appropriate approach.

The MSVUFA represents permanent full-time faculty, term faculty, librarians, and lab instructors.

Sincere thanks to the members of both bargaining teams for your commitment to this process.

Mustansar Nadeem
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University

Bargaining update: CUPE

May 27, 2021

I am writing to provide an update on negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912 which represents part-time faculty teaching at Mount Saint Vincent University on a contract basis.

Negotiations have been ongoing since December 2020. While a number of items have been advanced, the University (on behalf of the Board of Governors) has opted to file for conciliation.

What is conciliation?
Conciliation is the process of mediation in collective bargaining by a neutral third party knowledgeable in effective negotiation procedures. This third party is called a “conciliator” and their role is to assist employers and unions in reaching mutually agreeable solutions to outstanding issues. Conciliators are appointed by the Nova Scotia Minister of Labour and Advanced Education (or a delegate) at the written request of one or both parties to collective bargaining. The conciliator assists the parties to resolve their outstanding issues, promotes a climate of non-adversarial dispute resolution, and suggests ideas/options for the parties’ consideration, but will not attempt to impose any settlement.

I appreciate the hard work of all those involved in the negotiations. We will continue to keep you updated on any new developments. If you have any questions at any time, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Mustansar Nadeem
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University

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Our Approach

The University has developed five general themes which represent our approach to this round of negotiations with the five unions on campus:

1. Ensuring the University’s ability to manage not only its short-term, but also long-term, financial challenges.
2. Creating a student experience that firmly aligns with the adapting needs and desires of today’s students.
3. Aligning everything we do with the core elements of the University’s strategic mission and values.
4. Operating as a model of best practice through continuous improvement and consistency in how we operate our University.
5. Using the collective bargaining process as a forum for positive dialogue and mutual cooperation, and upholding the values of respect and collegiality that are fundamental to our University’s mission.

Employee Groups on Campus

	Mount Saint Vincent University Faculty Association The MSVUFA represents full-time faculty, professional librarians and lab instructors.		Collective Agreement (PDF) »		Website
	Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 3912 CUPE 3912 represents part-time faculty teaching at the University on a contract basis.		Collective Agreement (PDF) »		Website
	Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union, Local 81 NSGEU, Local 81 represents support staff, including technical, clerical, and administrative positions.		Collective Agreement (PDF) »		Website
	International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 721 One of two IUOE 721 units on campus, this unit represents security staff.		Collective Agreement (PDF) »
	International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 721 The other IUOE 721 unit represents custodians and steam plant employees.		Collective Agreement (PDF) »