Faculty & Staff Relations at the Mount
Bargaining Update: CUPE (part-time faculty)
April 17, 2023
To MSVU students, faculty and staff:
I am pleased to let you know that the tentative agreement reached in February with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912, representing part-time faculty at MSVU (i.e. instructors teaching on a contract basis), has now been ratified by both CUPE Local 3912 members and the MSVU Board of Governors.
Sincere thanks again to both bargaining teams for your dedication to the process. We look forward to our continued work together.
Gabrielle Morrison
Interim Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
February 22, 2023
To MSVU students, faculty and staff:
I am pleased to share that members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912, representing part-time faculty at MSVU (i.e. instructors teaching on a contract basis), have voted to accept the tentative agreement reached on February 10, 2023.
The next step in the process is for the Board of Governors to vote on the agreement. It is being recommended for ratification at the Board’s next meeting.
My sincere thanks again to both bargaining teams for your hard work and commitment to the process.
Gabrielle Morrison
Interim Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
February 10, 2023
To MSVU students, faculty and staff:
I am pleased to let you know that a tentative agreement has been reached between the University and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912. CUPE Local 3912 represents part-time faculty at MSVU (i.e., instructors teaching on a contract basis).
The agreement is subject to ratification by members of CUPE Local 3912 and the MSVU Board of Governors. Both bargaining teams will be recommending the agreement for ratification.
Thank you to everyone involved in the negotiations for your hard work and commitment to the process.
We will provide another update following the ratification vote by CUPE Local 3912 members.
Gabrielle Morrison
Interim Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
February 6, 2023
To MSVU faculty, staff and students:
I am writing to provide an update on negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912 which represents part-time faculty at Mount Saint Vincent University (i.e. instructors teaching on a contract basis).
Following a number of bargaining sessions and progress on several items, CUPE Local 3912 opted to file for conciliation last fall. Conciliation talks were held January 9 and 12, 2023. Unfortunately, an agreement was not reached at that time.
Though the union received a strike mandate from its members during a vote held in December, it is important to note that does not mean that a strike is inevitable. We remain optimistic that a strike can be avoided.
As is a routine step in the process, the conciliator has recently filed a report with the Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. The conciliator will meet again with both parties on February 10. Should an agreement not be reached, the union could be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on February 11, provided they give 48 hours’ notice of their intent to strike.
We value the work of our part-time faculty, and as in any negotiations, we aim to reach a fair agreement with CUPE Local 3912 that also maintains our focus on students and is reflective of our university’s specific fiscal circumstances.
Though we do remain hopeful that a strike can be avoided, the University is taking the prudent step of planning for the possibility, with an emphasis on ensuring a continued productive and positive student experience. At this time, all classes, labs, and other operations continue as normal.
We will continue to keep you informed as this situation evolves. To help address your questions in the meantime, we have prepared an FAQ. If you have any questions that are not yet answered, please send them to feedback@msvu.ca and we will respond as soon as possible. Please also watch the University website for updates: msvu.ca/labourrelations.
Thank you.
Gabrielle Morrison
Interim Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
October 19, 2022
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 began in December 2020. While a number of items have been advanced, CUPE opted to file for conciliation on September 27, 2022.
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.
Thank you to all those involved in the negotiations for your hard work and commitment to the process.
We will continue to keep you updated.
Gabrielle Morrison
Interim Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
November 17, 2021
I am pleased to report that negotiations are scheduled to continue with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912 on December 6. Both parties have decided to resume regular negotiations, following consultation with a conciliator. CUPE Local 3912 represents part-time faculty teaching at MSVU on a contract basis.
Sincere thanks to both bargaining teams for your commitment to this process. We will keep you updated on any new developments.
Mustansar Nadeem, CPA, CGA, MBA
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
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
Bargaining update: IUOE Custodial and Steam Plant
April 24, 2023
To the MSVU community:
I am pleased to let you know that the tentative agreement reached recently with IUOE Local 721, Custodial and Steam Plant, has now been ratified by both IUOE Local 721 members and the MSVU Board of Governors.
Sincere thanks to both bargaining teams for your dedication to the process. We look forward to our continued work together.
Gabrielle Morrison
Interim Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
March 30, 2023
I am pleased to let you know that a tentative agreement has been reached between the University and IUOE Local 721, Custodial and Steam Plant.
The agreement is subject to ratification by members of IUOE Local 721, Custodial and Steam Plant, and the MSVU Board of Governors. Both bargaining teams will be recommending the agreement for ratification.
Sincere thanks to all those involved in the negotiations for your hard work and commitment to the process.
We look forward to continuing our work together.
Gabrielle Morrison
Interim Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
December 15, 2022
I am writing to provide an update on negotiations with IUOE Local 721, Custodial and Steam Plant.
Since the start of negotiations on September 28, 2022, the parties have met eight times. While a number of items have been advanced, IUOE Local 721 opted to file for conciliation on December 13.
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.
Thank you to all those involved in the negotiations for your hard work and commitment to the process.
We will continue to keep you updated.
Gabrielle Morrison
Interim Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Bargaining update: NSGEU Local 81
March 10, 2022
Good afternoon dear colleagues,
I am pleased to share that the University’s Board of Governors voted on Thursday, March 10 to ratify the tentative collective agreement negotiated recently with the Nova Scotia General Employees Union (NSGEU) Local 81, representing administrative, technical, and clerical staff at the Mount. NSGEU Local 81 members also recently voted in favour of accepting the agreement. Formal signing will occur shortly.
Sincere thanks to the bargaining teams for their work and commitment over the past several months.
Regards,
Mustansar Nadeem CPA CGA. MBA (he/him)
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
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
Our Approach
The University has developed five general themes which represent our approach to this round of negotiations with the five unions on campus:
- Ensuring the University’s ability to manage not only its short-term, but also long-term, financial challenges.
- Creating a student experience that firmly aligns with the adapting needs and desires of today’s students.
- Aligning everything we do with the core elements of the University’s strategic mission and values.
- Operating as a model of best practice through continuous improvement and consistency in how we operate our University.
- 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 |
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| Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 3912 CUPE 3912 represents part-time faculty teaching at the University on a contract basis. |
Collective Agreement |
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| Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union, Local 81 NSGEU, Local 81 represents support staff, including technical, clerical, and administrative positions. |
Collective Agreement |
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| International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 721 One of two IUOE 721 units on campus, this unit represents security staff. |
Collective Agreement |
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| International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 721 The other IUOE 721 unit represents custodians and steam plant employees. |
Collective Agreement |
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