Faculty & Staff Relations
Update: MSVU Faculty Association collective agreement signed
I am pleased to let you know that the new MSVU Faculty Association collective agreement has now been signed by both parties.
We are working to implement pay increases for MSVUFA members and aim to have them in place, including retroactive payments, before the end of the year.
Sincere thanks are extended to the bargaining teams for their hard work throughout this process. Although the signing took longer and proved more challenging than anticipated by both teams, we are pleased to have reached a resolution. We are eager to move forward together.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President, Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Reimbursements for students in strike affected courses
To MSVU students,
Students in courses that were affected by the recent strike will be receiving reimbursements based on the university’s net savings from faculty salaries and benefits during the work stoppage.
Reimbursements will be $175 per affected course for domestic students and $350 per affected course for international students. The reimbursements will apply to both undergraduate and graduate courses. These reimbursements will not affect scholarship or bursary standing. Since this is a reimbursement of tuition paid, students whose tuition is waived (e.g. students in the Post Care Tuition Waiver Program, Presidential Scholars, etc.) will not receive this payment. For sponsored students, the payment will be handled in accordance with the terms of their sponsorship.
Payments will be allocated to student accounts by the end of the day Monday, March 25, 2024. Returning students or students with outstanding balances will have their payments credited to their account. Students leaving MSVU, including those graduating this spring, may request a student refund of any credit balance using the Student Online Refund Request Form (will require you to login to myMount).
Thank you for your patience as we worked through the details of this reimbursement.
If you have any questions, please send them to Financial.Services@msvu.ca.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
MSVU Board ratifies new MSVUFA collective agreement
To the MSVU community,
I am pleased to share that the MSVU Board of Governors has voted to approve the tentative agreement reached recently with the MSVU Faculty Association (MSVUFA).
Last week, the members of the MSVUFA also voted to approve the agreement.
Once formatted, the new collective agreement will be posted within the Faculty 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
Important: Academic changes in response to the disruption of classes
To the MSVU community,
The MSVU Senate today voted to implement a number of changes to support students and faculty members who have missed classes due to the strike, as well as due to weather cancellations on two additional Mondays. Those changes are as follows:
- Instructors may choose to schedule one synchronous, remote class on Monday, April 1st (Easter Monday) only for classes scheduled on Mondays and that were suspended during the strike.
- Thursday, April 11th will become designated as a Monday class day only for those courses that were suspended during the strike. This will allow instructors of classes that were suspended during the strike to make up for a missed Monday, if they choose.
- The Friday, April 12th exam schedule will be adapted so that final exams in Monday classes that were suspended during the strike will occur later in the exam period. More information about any affected exams will be shared as soon as possible.
- The last day to report exam conflicts and/or submit exam accommodation requests to the Registrar’s Office will now be March 25th, 2024 (previously March 15th).
- The last day to drop a course without academic penalty (transcript notation of WF) will now be April 11th, 2024 (previously March 11th).
- Given that the strike protocols did not require that students work on suspended classes during the labour disruption, Senate requires instructors of courses that were suspended avoid, until March 14th, 2024, holding midterms or requiring submission of assessments that would require a substantial effort from students (e.g. lab reports and major assignments) or where students require consultation time with instructors before submission.
- Instructors of courses that were suspended during the strike are encouraged to exercise responsible pacing of course content and flexibility in the redesign of their course.
Further, Senate agreed that instructors of classes that were suspended during the job action can adjust their Winter 2024 and 2023-2024 full-year course outlines (including deadlines, dates, requirements, methods of evaluation, 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 Winter 2024 job action.
Students remain responsible for fulfilling requirements in courses that were suspended during the job action, but students who are unable to participate in academic instruction during rescheduled classes (specifically March 7th, March 8th, April 1st, April 11th, and exams moved from April 12th) shall not be penalized for absence or late submission of work, and shall be given reasonable alternative access to material covered during their absence, and reasonable alternative provision for completing assignments or other requirements.
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 professor.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lori Francis
Vice-President, Academic & Provost
Mount Saint Vincent University
Important message from Senate Executive
With classes starting back tomorrow, we know that students are anxious to hear about how the term will be impacted. As per return-to-work protocols, instructors will be allowed to make changes to their course outlines. Any decision regarding term dates will be made by Senate on Friday. Decisions will also be made regarding drop dates. Since the decisions will not be available until late Friday, the Registrar’s Office will provide flexibility on the current drop date of Monday, March 11.
In a meeting of Senate Executive today, the following motion was passed and applies only to courses which have been affected by the labour disruption:
Moved that, since strike protocols did not require that students work during the labour disruption and since Senate will meet on Friday, March 8, Senate Executive urges full-time instructors to avoid scheduling modes of evaluation that would require a substantial effort from students (e.g. midterms, lab reports, and major assignments), or where students require consultation time with instructors before submission, until March 11, 2024.
Prof. Paula Crouse, Senate Secretary
Classes to resume Thursday, March 7
To the MSVU community,
Further to this morning’s message, I’m writing to advise that MSVUFA members have voted to accept the tentative agreement. This means that the strike is over.
Full-time faculty, librarians, and lab instructors will return to work on Wednesday, March 6.
Suspended classes will resume on Thursday, March 7. Students unable to return by this date due to exceptional circumstances and students with questions about the resumption of a particular class or lab should contact their professors.
We know that students are eager to hear whether there will be changes made to semester dates and other academic policies. A Senate meeting will be held soon to consider these issues. An update will follow as soon as possible.
Please watch your MSVU email accounts and msvu.ca/LabourRelations for more information.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President, Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Tentative agreement reached with MSVUFA – March 5, 2024
To the MSVU community,
I am pleased to share the very good news that the negotiating teams representing the University’s Board of Governors and the MSVUFA have reached a tentative agreement.
MSVUFA members will vote on the tentative agreement today (Tuesday, March 5). If the tentative agreement is ratified by the MSVUFA, the strike will end. We will confirm later today.
This has been a challenging time for all. I’m grateful to both bargaining teams for persevering in their efforts to reach a new collective agreement.
We look forward to our continued work together on behalf of the students we serve.
Sincerely,
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Bargaining update – March 4, 2024
To the MSVU community,
In-person negotiations between the MSVUFA and Board bargaining teams resumed this weekend resulting in agreement on a number of proposals, and talks continue today.
We understand that students have academic and financial questions related to lost class time. We cannot provide specific answers until the strike ends at which time we can determine the impact on the term. We will update students as soon as we can.
This continues to be a challenging time for all involved. The Board bargaining team remains committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement with the MSVUFA.
We will update you as new information becomes available. Visit msvu.ca/LabourRelations for updates and send any questions to feedback@msvu.ca.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
MSVUFA bargaining update – March 1, 2024
To the MSVU community,
I’m writing to share an update on collective bargaining with the MSVUFA.
I know that we all want to see an end to the strike as soon as possible. We are concerned about the impact of the strike on students, and we want our full MSVU community back together.
Though negotiations continued this week, we have not yet reached a resolution.
We continue to explore ways forward toward a fair agreement as quickly as possible.
We appreciate that this uncertainty is difficult. Please know that we’ll share new information as it becomes available.
In particular, we know students are anxious to hear details of remedies that will be put in place after the strike. The university remains committed to exploring all options so that students can finish the semester and those on track to graduate this spring can do so. We cannot make decisions about such measures until after the strike ends and the full impact on the term has been determined. We will provide clarity as soon as possible.
Please continue to visit msvu.ca/LabourRelations for updates and send any questions to feedback@msvu.ca.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
MSVUFA bargaining update – February 25, 2024
To the MSVU community,
On Friday, February 23rd, the Board’s bargaining team proposed that the parties submit all outstanding issues for determination by a neutral third-party arbitrator. On Saturday, February 24th, the MSVUFA’s bargaining team proposed instead to return to face-to-face bargaining during the week of February 26th 2024. The Board’s bargaining team has agreed to the MSVUFA’s request to return to the table, as it aligns with an offer made by the Board’s team on February 19th to schedule face-to-face meetings.
Please note that these meetings will be held ‘in camera,’ meaning that there will not be published updates or media communications. We will send updates directly to students, staff and faculty, as well as share them via msvu.ca/LabourRelations once the series of meetings has concluded. If you have a question not answered there, please email feedback@msvu.ca.
Thank you,
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
MSVUFA bargaining update – February 23, 2024
To the MSVU community,
Both bargaining teams have continued to work towards a resolution but have not yet concluded a renewed collective agreement.
This afternoon, the Board’s bargaining team proposed that the parties submit all outstanding issues for determination by a neutral third-party arbitrator.
If both parties agree to arbitration, an arbitrator would be chosen through mutual agreement to make a final and binding decision regarding a new collective agreement. If the MSVUFA agrees to the proposed arbitration, the strike would end, and classes taught by FA members would resume. You can learn more about the arbitration process here.
Updates will be sent directly to students, staff and faculty, as well as shared on msvu.ca/LabourRelations. If you have a question not answered there, please email feedback@msvu.ca.
Thank you,
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
MSVUFA bargaining update – February 21, 2024
To the MSVU community,
I am writing to share an update on negotiations with the MSVU Faculty Association (MSVUFA). The two bargaining teams continue to work toward a renewed collective agreement to replace the agreement signed in 2021.
Here’s a summary of bargaining activity over the past week:
- On February 14, 2024, the Board’s bargaining team responded to an MSVUFA proposal of February 13 and further provided four new proposals to the MSVUFA, which remain open.
- Over the long weekend, the parties agreed on three additional articles.
- On Tuesday, February 20, the Board’s bargaining team provided five more proposals to the MSVUFA.
- Over the weekend, a spokesperson for the MSVUFA was quoted by CTV news saying, “…we want everyone to get together in a room for two bargaining teams to come in and settle this strike.” On Monday, February 19, the Board’s bargaining team let the MSVUFA know that they were open to having a meeting of the two bargaining teams on short notice.
- Today, February 21, the Board’s bargaining team provided a further comprehensive proposal to the MSVUFA in an attempt to reach an agreement that would see an end to the strike. That comprehensive proposal includes an enhanced financial offer. The financial offer presentation can be viewed here.
While the strike has interrupted the semester, the university’s priority is for students to complete this semester. We will explore a variety of options to support that aim. It’s of note that other universities in the region have experienced faculty strikes in the past several years and in all those cases, students were able to complete their semesters. In fact, a semester has never been lost to a strike at a Canadian university.
Our aim is to reach a fair agreement for faculty, librarians, and lab instructors that reflects our shared commitment to advancing decolonization and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and ensures the long-term sustainability of MSVU.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President, Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
MSVUFA bargaining update – February 14, 2024
To the MSVU community,
I am writing to share an update on negotiations with the MSVUFA.
While we are working towards a resolution, an agreement has not yet been reached between the bargaining teams. Progress was made towards a resolution this past weekend and the Board’s bargaining team made an enhanced financial offer with respect to salaries, flex benefits, professional development funds, and stipends. The Board’s bargaining team’s offer was not accepted, and a strike was initiated by the MSVUFA (FA). Last evening (Tuesday, February 13), we received a proposal from the FA and today the Board’s bargaining team responded. We are pleased to see the exchange of proposals resume.
Thank you for reaching out to us when you have questions. But, please do note that the FA is the sole bargaining agent for our valued faculty, librarians and lab instructors in dealings with the university. We will continue to do our best to provide current and accurate information and we want to illustrate ways in which the teams are aligned on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) matters.
The renewed collective agreement of 2021 saw improvements in EDIA and decolonization language. This round, both teams came forward with proposals to further improve the collective agreement in this regard. The parties have already agreed to many advances that touch on EDIA, for example:
- The Board’s bargaining team proposed that the entire agreement be revised to reflect gender neutral language and the FA has agreed.
- The FA proposed for the article on the Joint Committee for the Administration of the Collective Agreement to be revised to provide that, “Upon agreement of both parties, internal or external advisors on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility may be invited to the committee as a resource on EDIA matters.” The Board’s bargaining team agreed.
- The Board’s bargaining team proposed EDIA training for all FA members sitting on appointment, tenure and promotion committees. The FA agreed.
- The FA proposed that the collective agreement include a territorial acknowledgement. The Board’s bargaining team proposed a non-abrogation of treaty rights clause. The Board’s bargaining team told the FA that it accepted inclusion of the territorial acknowledgement.
- Following a proposal presented by the Board’s bargaining team, the parties agreed on the following statement: “The parties acknowledge the value of diversity of people, knowledge, and ways of knowing in our community. The parties further acknowledge the role that our University, as an educational institution, has played in the perpetuation of colonial systems, both historically and in contemporary times. We acknowledge the need to learn and change and to demonstrate respect for and to work towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and other marginalized populations.”
- The MSVUFA proposed that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation that was observed last year by the University as a paid holiday even though it is not legally required, be included in the collective agreement and added to the list of holidays. The Board’s bargaining team agreed.
- The Board’s bargaining team proposed that “a candidate for reappointment, tenure or promotion may include written comments about in-class or program topics from Indigenous organizations and/or community representatives, Indigenous Elders, and/or Knowledge Holders/Carriers/Keepers about a Member’s Teaching.” The FA agreed.
These examples don’t reflect all progress made. Both sides have agreed to a number of other articles, including:
- Equity and Fairness – Article 3;
- Appointment (Faculty) – Article 18;
- Re-appointment, Tenure and Promotion (Faculty) – Article 20;
- Distance Education – Article 25; and
- Retirement Incentive Programs – Article 47.
We share the FA’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, as well as to decolonization. We will continue to discuss with the FA how to further incorporate these principles into the collective agreement.
Our aim is to reach a fair agreement for our faculty, staff, and librarians and we’ll keep working towards that goal.
Please stay tuned to msvu.ca/LabourRelations for updates. If you have any questions we will do our best to address them in a timely manner; please send your questions to feedback@msvu.ca.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President, Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
MSVUFA bargaining update – February 12, 2024
To the MSVU community,
I am disappointed to inform you that this weekend’s meetings between the conciliator and the MSVU Faculty Association (MSVUFA) and Board of Governors bargaining teams did not result in an agreement.
The parties bargained on Friday and over the weekend. They agreed on numerous language items important to our faculty, librarians and lab instructors and to the administration. Collectively, these articles provide for various equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility improvements.
Just after 10 p.m. on Saturday night (February 10), the MSVUFA responded to the university’s financial proposal made on January 25. In that response, the faculty association indicated that their “members are going on strike at noon on Monday.” Still, negotiations continued Sunday as planned. Regrettably, a tentative agreement was not reached.
The MSVU Faculty Association has chosen to go on strike starting Monday, February 12 at 12 p.m. (noon).
The impact of this situation on MSVU students is our primary concern. We’ll do all we can to support our students throughout this time and minimize the effect on students’ academic experience. We will aim to ensure that students have sufficient class time to meet learning outcomes and to maintain the quality learning experience that is expected at MSVU.
Here’s what you need to know right now
- Campus remains open (including Residence and all other campus buildings).
- Classes taught by full-time faculty, librarians and lab instructors will NOT run during the strike. A list of affected courses is available here. Please check your course section as certain sections of the same course may be cancelled while others will go ahead.
- Classes taught by part-time faculty will continue (except for a small number of labs – please check the list linked above).
- All other university services continue. The library remains open (though some services will be impacted). The health office, fitness centre and child study centre also remain open.
- Co-op placements and practica continue as usual.
Where to find more information
Answers to a number of frequently asked questions for students, other MSVU employees, and community members are available on our website. You can send questions not answered there to feedback@msvu.ca and we will respond as soon as possible.
I encourage you to watch your MSVU email account or visit msvu.ca/LabourRelations for updates. We will continue to ensure timely updates as more information is known.
Next steps
We are genuinely committed to reaching a fair agreement as soon as possible. We hope the MSVUFA will agree to resume discussions very soon.
Please stay tuned for updates.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
VP Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
February 7, 2024
To the MSVU community,
The MSVU Faculty Association has filed notice of their intent to strike starting at 12 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024 should an agreement with the MSVU Board of Governors not be reached prior to that time.
It is still possible that a resolution may be reached without a strike.
The bargaining teams are scheduled to meet along with conciliators this Friday, February 9 to continue negotiations. In the meantime, progress continues to be made and the parties continue to exchange proposals.
While we are disappointed by today’s news from the faculty association, we remain focused on a productive session this Friday.
We will continue to keep you updated as this situation progresses.
Please visit msvu.ca/labourrelations for more information, including an FAQ that we continue to expand. If you have a question not answered on the website, please email feedback@msvu.ca and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
MSVUFA members can find strike protocols here. These protocols are to be followed in the event of a strike and include things such as payment and benefits and email and campus access for striking members.
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
Vice-President, Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Faculty negotiations update
February 5, 2024
I want to provide you with a further update on negotiations with the MSVUFA.
The University’s bargaining team entered conciliation in January to work collaboratively with the MSVUFA bargaining team to reach an agreement. Much progress was made over the three days of conciliation and the University’s bargaining team was prepared to continue working towards a new agreement. Unfortunately, despite continued progress, in the evening of day three, the MSVUFA asked that the conciliators declare an impasse and left conciliation, thus triggering a countdown to a potential strike. At the request of the MSVUFA, the parties are scheduled to meet to discuss strike protocols.
At the end of conciliation, the parties had agreed and signed off on a number of articles of the collective agreement, including Article 3 – Equity and Fairness. This article includes a new provision acknowledging the need to work towards reconciliation with Indigenous people and other marginalized populations. Both parties recognize the importance and priority of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) and are progressing to integrate EDIA principles throughout the collective agreement in meaningful and actionable ways.
On January 18, 2024, the MSVUFA stated that the average recent regional salary settlements for faculty is 2.42%. On January 25, 2024, the University’s bargaining team made a financial proposal that would see all members of the MSVUFA obtain a salary increase of 2.5% for each year of the three-year agreement in addition to the automatic step increases.
The university’s administration remains committed to reaching a collective agreement without the necessity of a strike. The parties continue to exchange proposals and have agreed to meet again on February 9.
Should a strike occur, the university will explore a variety of options in support of students’ needs. Other universities in the region have experienced strikes in the past several years and in all of those cases, students were able to complete their semesters. If there is a strike, classes taught by part-time faculty members will continue. A list of affected classes will be published for students if a strike occurs.
We will continue to keep our community updated as things progress. A reminder that you can check msvu.ca/labourrelations for updates, including a FAQ that we continue to expand.
Thank you,
Isabelle Nault
Isabelle Nault (she/her)
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
MSVUFA bargaining update
January 29, 2024
A message to the MSVU community:
I am writing to update you on negotiations with the Mount Saint Vincent University Faculty Association (MSVUFA).
The bargaining teams representing the MSVUFA and MSVU Board of Governors met throughout last fall and most recently with a conciliator toward negotiating a new collective agreement.
While some significant progress was made during recent three days of conciliation talks, an agreement was not reached, unfortunately.
Next steps
The conciliator filed a report with the Minister of Labour, Skills, and Immigration on Friday, January 26, 2024. A 14-day period after that report has been filed must elapse before any strike action can be taken. As well, the MSVUFA must provide a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before a strike can take place. Before the end of the 14 days, the conciliator will meet again with both parties to try to reach an agreement – that meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2024. Should the MSVUFA choose to strike, the earliest they could do so is February 10, however they can provide 48 hours’ notice at any point during or after the 14 days.
While disappointing, this latest news does not mean a strike is imminent or inevitable. We remain optimistic that a strike can be avoided and the bargaining team representing the MSVU Board of Governors is keen to continue discussions with the MSVUFA at any time, including in advance of the session with the conciliator on February 9. However, to be prudent, the university has been planning for the possibility of a strike.
Where to find more information
No doubt you have many questions about what this could mean to you. To help address your questions, an FAQ has been added to MSVU’s website. Please watch the university website for further updates: msvu.ca/labourrelations. If you have any questions that are not answered there, please send them to feedback@msvu.ca and we will respond as soon as possible.
It’s important to note that, at this time, all programs and services at MSVU continue as usual.
Ultimately, the university remains genuinely committed to fairly compensating our valued faculty, lab instructors, and librarians through a collective agreement that also: reflects our university’s mission and vision; prioritizes the student experience; and reflects the challenging financial context in which we operate. The sustainability of MSVU, particularly in light of our unique mandate, is of paramount importance.
As noted, we are hopeful for a return to the table, which could occur at any time. We will continue to provide timely updates.
Sincerely,
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
VP Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
December 11, 2023
Dear MSVU community,
The union representing full-time faculty, librarians and lab instructors at Mount Saint Vincent University (the MSVU Faculty Association) is in the process of negotiating a new contract with the university’s Board of Governors.
The MSVU Faculty Association (MSVU FA) represents approximately 160 permanent full-time faculty, librarians, and lab instructors. The bargaining teams representing the MSVU FA and MSVU Board of Governors have met consistently over the past few months.
In October, the MSVU FA filed for conciliation. Talks have continued in the meantime, with the next step being discussions with a conciliator in January.
In advance of conciliation, the MSVU FA recently held a strike vote and their members voted in favour of a strike. A strike vote by the MSVU FA at this point in the bargaining process is not unexpected, nor does it mean that a strike is imminent or unavoidable. A strike could not take place until a number of steps over a period of time have been followed as part of the conciliation process.
We remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached, and the team representing MSVU’s Board of Governors remains committed to the process to get us there. In the past four rounds of bargaining with the MSVU FA, a successful outcome has been reached through conciliation.
As always, the university is committed to ensuring an excellent experience for our students, a fair collective agreement for our faculty, and the long-term financial sustainability of the institution.
We will continue to keep you posted as we move through the collective bargaining process.
Please contact me at Isabelle.Nault@msvu.ca should you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Isabelle
Isabelle Nault
VP Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Update: Conciliator Appointed as Bargaining Continues with MSVU Faculty Association
November 22, 2023
I am writing to provide an update on behalf of MSVU’s Board of Governors.
In October, the MSVUFA filed for conciliation and a conciliator has since been appointed. The first meeting with the conciliator is scheduled for January 9th, 2024. In the meantime, the bargaining teams continue to meet regularly.
Regards,
Isabelle Nault (she/her)
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
October 24, 2023
I am writing to provide you with an update on negotiations between MSVU’s Board of Governors and the MSVU Faculty Association (MSVUFA).
The bargaining teams met in late May, paused for the summer, and resumed bargaining in September. The bargaining teams are in the early stages of negotiations and presenting of proposals.
The MSVUFA filed for conciliation. Conciliation and Mediation Services has since advised that conciliation is premature at this time and encouraged the parties to continue negotiating on their own.
The University remains committed to the collective bargaining process and continuing to meet with the MSVUFA negotiations team.
Isabelle Nault (she/her)
Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
June 14, 2023
I am writing to provide you with an update about negotiations between Mount Saint Vincent University’s Board of Governors and the MSVU Faculty Association (MSVUFA). The MSVUFA represents 162 permanent full-time faculty, term faculty, librarians, and lab instructors.
The Notice to Bargain was sent by the MSVUFA on May 12th. The bargaining teams met on May 26th and are in the process of scheduling future dates for bargaining.
The University looks forward to a round of productive negotiations.
Gabrielle Morrison
Interim Vice-President Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University
Bargaining update: IUOE Security
March 20, 2024
I am pleased to advise that an agreement has been reached with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 721, Security.
Both bargaining teams will be recommending the tentative agreement to their members for ratification, which is expected to happen soon.
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
Bargaining update: IUOE Security
November 27, 2023
On behalf of MSVU’s Board of Governors, I am writing to provide an update on negotiations with IUOE Local 721 Security.
On August 15, IUOE Local 721 Security filed for conciliation and a conciliator has since been appointed. The first meeting with the conciliator is scheduled for December 19, 2023.
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 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
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: 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.