Faculty & Staff Relations
Bargaining update: MSVU Faculty Association
June 18, 2026
To the MSVU community,
We are writing to let you know that a new round of collective bargaining is underway between the university administration and MSVU Faculty Association. The Faculty Association represents full-time faculty, librarians, and lab instructors at MSVU.
Several dates at the table are scheduled for this summer, with 14 days set aside across June, July and August.
The bargaining team members include:
- For the university administration: Chris Hattie (lead negotiator), Dr. Carrie Dawson, Sharon Davis, and Zach Palamarchuk
- For the Faculty Association: Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal (co-lead negotiator), Dr. Germaine Chan (co-lead negotiator), Dr. Christine Lackner, and Teresa Workman
Sincere thanks to the members of both bargaining teams. We know there’s a significant amount of work involved and we appreciate your dedication.
We look forward to a productive round of negotiations and will continue to keep you informed as the process moves forward.
Joël and Conor
Dr. Joël Dickinson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University
Dr. Conor Barker
President
MSVU Faculty Association
New NSGEU collective agreement ratified by both parties
January 7, 2026
To the MSVU community,
I am pleased to share that just before the holiday break, the MSVU Board of Governors and the members of NSGEU voted to approve the tentative agreement reached recently with NSGEU Local 81.
Once formatted and signed, the new collective agreement will be posted on the Faculty & Staff Relations section of the MSVU website.
My sincere thanks again to both bargaining teams for your hard work.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President, Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Bargaining update: NSGEU Local 81
August 26, 2025
Bargaining is underway with NSGEU Local 81. The bargaining teams have met once so far, and have scheduled more dates for September.
Thank you to the teams for their commitment to the bargaining process. We look forward to our continued work together.
Bargaining update: NSGEU Local 81
October 1, 2024
The university has received notice to bargain from NSGEU Local 81, representing administrative, technical, and clerical staff at MSVU. We are in the process of identifying dates for the bargaining teams to meet.
Bargaining update: IUOE Security
January 19, 2026
To the MSVU community,
I am pleased to share the good news that the University administration and IUOE Local 721 Security have reached a tentative agreement.
This agreement is subject to ratification by both IUOE Local 721 Security members and the MSVU Board of Governors.
Thank you to the teams for their commitment to the bargaining process. We look forward to our continued work together.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
January 7, 2026
On behalf of MSVU’s Board of Governors, I am writing to provide an update on negotiations with IUOE Local 721 Security.
On November 17, 2025, IUOE Local 721 Security filed for conciliation and a conciliator has since been appointed. The first meeting with the conciliator is scheduled for January 14, 2026.
Thank you to the members of both bargaining teams for their continued commitment to this process.
Regards,
Isabelle Nault (she/her)
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Bargaining update: IUOE Security
August 26, 2025
Bargaining is underway with IUOE Local 721, Security. The bargaining teams have met once so far, and have scheduled more dates for October.
Thank you to the teams for their commitment to the bargaining process. We look forward to our continued work together.
MSVU Board ratifies new CUPE Local 3912 Collective Agreement
November 21, 2025
To the MSVU community,
I am pleased to share that the MSVU Board of Governors has approved the tentative collective agreement with CUPE Local 3912, following its recent ratification by the union members.
The new collective agreement will be posted on the Faculty & Staff Relations section of the MSVU website when available.
My sincere thanks again to both bargaining teams for their dedication throughout this process.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President, Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Important: Academic changes in response to the disruption of classes
November 18, 2025
To the MSVU community,
The MSVU Senate has voted to implement a number of changes to support students and course instructors further to the end of the strike.
The following changes apply only to courses suspended during the labour action:
- Senate agreed that instructors of classes that were suspended during the job action can adjust their Fall 2025 and 2025-2026 full-year course outlines (including deadlines, dates, requirements, methods of evaluation, weighting, and modality of delivery) to reflect revised academic dates, to cover and assess learning outcomes, and to make reasonable efforts to meet the needs of individual students impacted by the Fall 2025 job action.
- The last day of classes for the Fall term for courses suspended during the strike will now be Saturday, December 6, giving instructors the opportunity to make up a missed class on Friday, December 5 or Saturday, December 6 via remote, asynchronous activities if they choose; part-time instructors can discuss exceptions with their department Chair.
- Instructors of suspended courses must refrain from holding midterms or assessments that require a substantial effort from students (e.g. lab reports and major assignments) or necessitate prior consultation with the instructor until students have the opportunity to consult with their instructor at least once either through class time or other means (by appointment, via online office hours).
- Instructors of courses that were suspended during the strike can schedule tests and examinations worth more than 20 percent of the course grade in the last two weeks of the Fall 2025 term; instructors are encouraged to exercise responsible pacing of course content, allow for flexibility and class input where possible, and respect the duty to accommodate.
- In keeping with the spirit of the motions taken by Senate on November 17, changes to condensed courses in the Business and Tourism Department will be addressed separately in consultation with the Dean, Chair and Registrar with course completion to be no later than December 19, 2025.
- Senate further recognized via an approved motion that students remain responsible for fulfilling requirements in courses that were suspended during the strike, but students who are unable to participate in academic instruction during rescheduled classes on December 5 and 6 shall not be penalized for late submission of work and shall be given reasonable alternative provision for completing assignments or other requirements.
The following changes apply to all current courses (i.e. those taught by part-time faculty and full-time faculty):
- Reading Day will move to Monday, December 8 (from Friday, December 5).
- The final exam period will now begin on Tuesday, December 9. An updated exam schedule will be posted within the next few days; students will be notified by email when the new schedule has been posted. Students are advised to review the new schedule carefully as exam dates and times will be changed for a number of courses.
- The last day to report exam conflicts and/or submit exam accommodation requests to the Registrar’s Office will now be November 25 (previously November 15).
- The last day to drop a Fall 2025 term course with a transcript notation of W will now be Saturday, December 6. The last day to drop a full-year course without a transcript notation of W will now be Saturday, December 6. Students are reminded to consider the impacts of a W notation on their student loans and study permits. To drop a course, students must email the MSVU Registrar’s Office at registration@msvu.ca from their MSVU email address.
The official Senate motions are available here.
Questions can continue to be sent to feedback@msvu.ca. However, if you have a question or concern specific to your course, please speak to your instructor.
Sincerely,
Lori
Dr. Lori Francis
Vice-President, Academic & Provost
Mount Saint Vincent University
Classes affected by the strike to resume Monday, November 17
November 16, 2025
To the MSVU community,
Good news: members of CUPE Local 3912 ratified the tentative agreement reached late Thursday, November 14. This means that classes in suspended courses will resume tomorrow, Monday, November 17, as initially communicated.
Senate is scheduled to meet tomorrow (Monday) to determine changes to support students and faculty members affected by the disruption, in accordance with the Senate Policy on the Academic Implications of a Significant Disruption.
Information on outcomes of tomorrow’s Senate meeting will follow as soon as possible.
Please watch your MSVU email for updates. Thank you for your patience during this time.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President, Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Tentative agreement reached with CUPE Local 3912
November 14, 2025
To the MSVU community,
I am pleased to share the good news that, late on November 13, a tentative agreement was reached between the University administration and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912, representing part-time faculty at MSVU.
CUPE Local 3912 members are scheduled to vote on the tentative agreement by the end of day Saturday, November 15. If the agreement is ratified, the strike will end and suspended classes will resume on Monday, November 17. Senate will then meet promptly to determine changes to support students and faculty members affected by the disruption, in accordance with the Senate Policy on the Academic Implications of a Significant Disruption. More information will follow as soon as possible.
This has been a challenging time for all. We are grateful to both bargaining teams for their efforts to reach a new collective agreement.
We look forward to our continued work together.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Bargaining update: CUPE Local 3912
November 10, 2025
To the MSVU community,
Today, the university administration’s bargaining team invited CUPE 3912 to return to the negotiating table, requesting a revised proposal. The union agreed to meet on Thursday, November 13.
To recap the latest development, last Friday, the university administration’s bargaining team proposed binding arbitration to the union. This process involves a neutral third-party reviewing proposals from both the union and the employer and determining the terms of the new collective agreement. For binding arbitration to proceed, both parties must agree to the process and to pause the strike, allowing students to return to the classrooms. CUPE Local 3912 declined this offer; the university’s administration remains open to this option.
We strongly encourage CUPE 3912 to work toward a resolution to the strike, whether by providing a revised proposal this Thursday, agreeing to binding arbitration, or presenting the university’s last offer to its members for a vote. Bargaining is a mutual process that requires active engagement from both parties.
We’re concerned about the impact of this disruption on students and want to reassure our community that a team at the university has developed various scheduling options and allowable changes to course syllabi. These will be proposed to Senate following the conclusion of the strike, in accordance with the Senate Policy on the Academic Implications of a Significant Disruption.
We remain committed to keeping our community informed and will continue to share updates as they become available.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
November 4, 2025
Dear MSVU Community,
I’m writing to provide an update on negotiations with CUPE Local 3912.
Last week, the university administration’s bargaining team invited CUPE Local 3912 to resume negotiations, with a provincially appointed conciliator facilitating the discussions. The parties met today (November 4) and the university tabled a new offer, which was rejected outright by the union. This means that the strike continues.
We understand the impact this situation is having on our community, especially on students, and want to share key details of the negotiations.
University’s Latest Offer
The university proposed a four-year agreement that includes:
- Reducing stipend steps from three to two through the removal of step one.
- Increasing stipends to $7,250 (new step one) and $8,000 (new step two) effective September 1, 2025, rising to $7,750 and $8,500 by the end of the agreement. The new starting stipend is more than $1,000 above the previous baseline stipend.
- Non-monetary improvements, including changes to the part-time faculty member evaluation process.
- A total monetary increase of 19.4% over the four years (stipends and other monetary items).
CUPE Local 3912’s Proposal
The union’s proposal includes:
- Reducing stipend steps from three to one.
- Increasing the stipend to $8,435 in September 2024, rising to $8,887 in 2026.
- A total monetary increase of 45.6% over three years (stipends and other monetary items).
CUPE Local 3912 is also on strike at Saint Mary’s University and recently ratified an agreement with Dalhousie University. While part-time faculty across these institutions may share common concerns, each university operates within a distinct context, including differences in collective agreement terms, proportion of courses taught by part-time faculty, class sizes, and financial realities. Accepting CUPE Local 3912’s monetary proposal would significantly deepen MSVU’s deficit and could impact services or our ability to negotiate fairly with other employee groups. We must work toward a fair agreement that supports MSVU’s long-term sustainability and mission.
We remain deeply concerned about the impact of the strike on students. We believe our latest offer is fair and responsible. Ahead of today’s meetings, CUPE Local 3912 indicated that they would “take any reasonable offer to members.” We believe this is a very reasonable offer and asked CUPE Local 3912 to present it to their membership for a vote; however, they have refused to do so, and further indicated that they will not be adjusting their previous monetary proposal.
We will continue to keep you informed. For updates and FAQs, please visit msvu.ca/labourrelations.
Sincerely,
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
October 30, 2025
To the MSVU community,
I am writing to provide an update on the negotiations with CUPE Local 3912, representing part-time faculty at MSVU.
I first want to acknowledge that this is a difficult time for our community. We recognize that the strike is having significant impacts on our students, faculty, and staff. We are especially mindful of the effect on students and their academic experience. If you are experiencing stress, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
UPDATE ON NEGOTIATIONS
Today, the university administration’s bargaining team invited CUPE Local 3912 back to the table with the help of a provincially-appointed conciliator; we are awaiting a reply to that invitation.
We maintain our commitment to reaching a fair collective agreement with CUPE Local 3912 that reflects MSVU’s unique mission and financial context.
UPDATES FOR STUDENTS
Classes taught by part-time faculty suspended
Classes taught by part-time faculty continue to be suspended. While you may have access to assignments in Moodle, you are not required to submit any work during the strike. Classes taught by full-time faculty continue in their original delivery mode (e.g. in-person or online) and as scheduled.
All university services remain open
All university services are open as usual (e.g. the Library, Fitness Centre, Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success etc.). We encourage students to take advantage of these resources. Library hours are available online, and students can book research help appointments or just drop in during posted times.
Course drop deadline update
Today, October 30, remains the last day to drop a course without a transcript notation (W) for full year courses. It is also the last day to drop without academic penalty (WF) for any Fall 2025 term courses. This deadline still applies to classes taught by full-time faculty. Once the labour disruption is resolved, the University Senate will consider any required adjustments to deadlines and dates that were impacted by the strike.
More information, including answers to frequently asked questions, is available at msvu.ca/LabourRelations.
Please continue to stay tuned for updates.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Bargaining update: Agreement not reached, strike to start at noon, October 22
October 21, 2025
To the MSVU community,
I am writing to share an update on negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912, representing part-time faculty at Mount Saint Vincent University.
Conciliation talks between the union and the university administration bargaining teams took place today, Tuesday, October 21. An agreement was not reached and CUPE Local 3912 has indicated that they will begin a strike at noon tomorrow, October 22, 2025.
The university will remain open, and all campus services will continue to operate. Classes taught by part-time faculty will be suspended. Classes taught by full-time faculty will continue in their original delivery mode (e.g. in-person or online) and as scheduled.
A list of suspended classes has been posted on the MSVU website (please check for your course section number as some sections of the same course may go ahead while others are suspended).
All MSVU employees not represented by CUPE Local 3912 should continue their regular work schedules.
Delays accessing campus may occur in the event of picketing by members of CUPE Local 3912. MSVU students and employees have the right to cross a picket line, just as striking employees have the right to form one. We expect those picketing and those crossing a picket line to demonstrate patience and mutual respect.
Ongoing updates and answers to frequently asked questions will be provided at msvu.ca/labourrelations. If you have any additional questions, please send them to feedback@msvu.ca.
We remain committed to reaching a fair agreement with CUPE Local 3912 and look forward to a return to the bargaining table soon.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We appreciate that this is a challenging situation and we will continue to keep you informed.
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Bargaining Update: CUPE Local 3912 (part-time faculty)
October 20, 2025
Dear MSVU community,
CUPE Local 3912, which represents part-time faculty at MSVU, has given 48-hours’ strike notice and will be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22. Please note that this does not necessarily mean that a strike will occur. The bargaining teams will meet for conciliation tomorrow (Tuesday, October 21); we remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached. At the same time, we are taking the prudent step of preparing for the possibility of a strike.
Until otherwise notified, all classes continue as normal.
Should a strike occur:
- Classes taught by part-time faculty will be suspended.
- A list of suspended classes will be published on the MSVU website, and a link to that list will be emailed to students. Please watch your MSVU email for updates.
- Classes taught by full-time faculty will go ahead in their usual format, i.e. same time and delivery mode.
- All campus services will continue as usual, including Residence and food services.
- Other MSVU employees are expected to report to work as usual and should reach out to their supervisor with any questions or concerns.
- An FAQ will be posted on the MSVU website.
We recognize that this situation may be challenging and want to reassure you that we remain committed to reaching a fair and respectful collective agreement for both parties.
We will continue to keep you informed as updates become available.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice President, Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Bargaining Update: CUPE (part-time faculty)
October 14, 2025
Dear MSVU students, faculty and staff:
Following several bargaining sessions and progress on key issues, CUPE Local 3912 filed for conciliation this summer. Conciliation talks were held on August 26 and September 24; however, an agreement has not yet been reached.
We understand that the union conducted and passed a strike vote amongst its members. But, this does not mean that a strike is inevitable. We remain committed to reaching a renewed collective agreement that reflects the interests of both parties.
As part of the standard process, the conciliator has recently filed a report with the Minister of Labour, Skills, and Immigration indicating that the parties are at an impasse. The conciliator will meet again with both parties on October 21. If no agreement is reached, the union could be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on October 22, provided they give 48 hours’ notice.
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, is reflective of our academic mission, and is financially sustainable.
We remain optimistic that a strike can be avoided. In the meantime, the University is taking the prudent step of planning for the possibility of a strike, 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 updated.
Thank you.
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
August 25, 2025
While a number of items have been advanced through recent negotiations, the bargaining team representing CUPE 3912, opted to file for conciliation. The first meeting with the Conciliator is scheduled for August 26, 2025.
What is conciliation?
Conciliation is the process of intervention 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 Conciliation and Mediation Services) 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.
The bargaining teams will continue to work toward a new collective agreement through the conciliation process, and we will continue to keep the MSVU community updated.
Bargaining Update: CUPE (part-time faculty)
October 1, 2024
The university has received notice to bargain from CUPE Local 3912, representing part-time faculty at MSVU (i.e. instructors teaching on a contract basis). The bargaining teams are in the process of identifying initial meeting dates.
Bargaining update: IUOE Custodial and Steam Plant
April 10, 2025
I am pleased to advise that a new three-year collective agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 721, Custodial and Steam Plant, has been recently ratified by both the union and MSVU Board of Governors.
Sincere thanks to both bargaining teams for their commitment to the bargaining process. We look forward to our continued work together.
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
February 10, 2025
While a number of items have been advanced through recent negotiations, the bargaining team representing IUOE Local 721, Custodial and Steam Plant, opted to file for conciliation on January 13, 2025. The first meeting with the Conciliator is scheduled for February 13, 2025.
What is conciliation?
Conciliation is the process of intervention 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 Conciliation and Mediation Services) 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.
The bargaining teams will continue to work toward a new collective agreement through the conciliation process, and we will continue to keep the MSVU community updated.
October 1, 2024
Bargaining is underway with IUOE Local 721, Custodial and Steam Plant. The bargaining teams have met two times to date, with additional meeting dates scheduled in the near future