Frequently Asked Questions – CUPE Local 3912 Strike
Updated: October 21, 2025
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Have a question not answered here? Please send it to feedback@msvu.ca.
FAQ – CUPE 3912
What is the current status of negotiations between the bargaining teams representing the MSVU Administration and CUPE Local 3912?
Following several months of negotiations, a new collective agreement between the University Administration and CUPE Local 3912 has not been reached. CUPE Local 3912 has indicated that they will be on strike starting at 12 p.m. (noon) on October 22, 2025.
Who does CUPE Local 3912 represent at MSVU?
CUPE Local 3912 represents part-time faculty at MSVU.
How can I get updates on negotiations?
Updates will be sent via email to all MSVU students and employees, as well as posted on the University’s website (msvu.ca/labourrelations) and available via social media (Facebook – Mount Saint Vincent University; X — @MSVU_Halifax).
What should I expect regarding picket lines?
Picket lines are anticipated near (but not on) university property. The purpose of a picket line is for picketers to communicate their views. They have the right to do this and they will do it by carrying signs and by speaking to people entering or leaving the property.
As a student or non-striking employee or community member, you have the right to cross a picket line. It is unlikely that you will have any difficulty crossing a picket line; we expect that all picket line interactions will be safe and respectful. You should expect that a picket line will result in a brief delay coming and going from campus.
Here are some tips for safely crossing a picket line:
- Respect the picketers’ right to slow down traffic crossing the picket line (walking, biking, driving);
- Drive carefully; wait for a space large enough to safely pass through the picket line;
- Listen to those on the picket line;
- Be calm and courteous;
- Do not take comments or events personally;
- Avoid arguments and confrontations;
- Recognize that stress levels are high for everyone.
- In the unlikely event that a safety concern arises, please contact campus security at 902-457-6412.
Have a question not answered here? Please send it to feedback@msvu.ca.
Are all instructors/faculty on strike?
No. Part-time faculty or per course instructors (members of CUPE Local 3912) are on strike. Full-time faculty are not on strike.
How will I know which of my classes are suspended due to the strike?
A list of suspended classes is available here. If your class is not on that list, it is not affected and should continue on its usual schedule and in its usual format.
Will practica, internships, and work terms continue in the event of a strike?
It depends. Most work placements will continue as scheduled. That said, some placements may be affected by a CUPE strike. Students in Child & Youth Study practica should contact Jennifer Miller, Practicum Coordinator for more information about their placements.
My thesis/master’s project or directed/independent study is being supervised by a CUPE member. Will that continue?
Yes. Thesis and Masters’ project supervision, directed study, independent study, challenge examinations and the supervision of student teaching are not CUPE bargaining unit work and will continue.
Will students still have access to course Moodle sites in the event of a strike?
Yes. Student access to course Moodle sites will be uninterrupted.
I’m taking an online course taught by a part-time faculty member and I have arranged for a test, midterm or exam to be proctored. If my test, midterm or exam falls during the strike, what should I be telling my proctor?
In the event of a strike by part-time faculty, tests, midterms and other assessments scheduled in suspended courses during the strike will not occur. They may be rescheduled after the strike ends. You should advise your proctor accordingly. For further information, please feel free to reach out to exams@msvu.ca.
Do Residences remain open in the event of a strike?
Yes. Residences are open as usual.
Will student services be available during the strike?
All student services, including the University Library, Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success, food services, and the fitness centre (to name just a few), will be open during the strike.
Can I go home (i.e. leave Residence) if my in-person classes are suspended due to the strike?
You’re encouraged to stay in Residence or close to campus as the strike could end at any time and classes will then resume quickly.
If I stay on campus but have a number of classes affected by the strike, how can I keep busy?
The Office of Student Experience is creating a schedule of activities for students. The schedule will be released ASAP. You are also encouraged to complete your assignments and readings.
How much notice will be given before classes resume when the strike ends?
A minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be given by the University before classes resume.
Should I continue completing my schoolwork for suspended classes?
While it is not required that you complete assignments during a strike, students are encouraged to carry on with their assignments, readings, and other academic work as far as is possible.
Will I be able to contact my professors during the strike?
Striking part-time faculty members will continue to have access to their MSVU email, but it is not expected that they will be responding to student messages during the strike.
Will the term be extended to make up for lost time?
It is too soon to determine how we will manage the remainder of the term. That will depend on the duration of the strike and the decisions of the University Senate. We will provide an update as soon as more is known.
I am feeling anxious. Are supports available?
MSVU students are reminded of the following supports:
– MSVU Counselling Services: Free, confidential counselling for students.
– Good2Talk: a free, confidential service for post-secondary students, available 24/7, call 1-833-292-3698.
– HealthyMindsNS: A site from the government of Nova Scotia that provides online mental health resources for post-secondary students.
How will I receive updates on the strike situation?
We will provide you with as much information as possible, as it becomes available. We will update msvu.ca/labourrelations with all new developments. Any updates affecting students will be communicated to you directly via your MSVU student email account. We will also post updates on the University’s social media accounts.
Have a question not answered here? Please send it to feedback@msvu.ca.
What are the protocols to be followed by members of CUPE Local 3912?
Strike protocols are available here.
Are there any exemptions for part-time faculty to the strike protocols?
The strike protocols cannot capture all scenarios and, as such, exemptions will be considered. Part-time faculty should send their exemption requests to one of the following:
– Dr. Lori Francis, Vice-President Academic and Provost: lori.francis@msvu.ca
– Isabelle Nault, Vice-President Administration: isabelle.nault@msvu.ca
Will CUPE members have access to campus services during a strike?
CUPE members will not have access to most campus services during a strike; however, exceptions will be made for essential campus services, for example the MSVU Health Office and Child Study Centre.
I am a CUPE member with another job on campus. Will that job continue while CUPE is on strike?
Yes. CUPE Local 3912 members who hold additional roles at MSVU outside of their part-time teaching contracts are expected to continue fulfilling those responsibilities as usual, including maintaining their regular hours, work locations, and duties.
Will I be paid by MSVU during the strike?
No. During a strike, CUPE Local 3912 members will not be paid by the university for their CUPE-related work. Members of CUPE Local 3912 who are employed by MSVU in a non-CUPE capacity will continue to be compensated for their non-CUPE work.
I am a CUPE member who is also supervising a student thesis or practicum? Will that continue during a CUPE strike?
Yes. Supervision of thesis projects, master’s projects, directed/independent study, challenge examinations, and student teaching by CUPE members is not considered bargaining work per the current collective agreement and will therefore continue.
Have a question not answered here? Please send it to feedback@msvu.ca.
Do I still come to work if I’m a non-CUPE employee?
All other non-CUPE MSVU employees must report to work as usual. However, article 5.2 of the NSGEU collective agreement with MSVU notes that NSGEU employees may refuse to cross a picket line established by another union on campus. NSGEU employees who do not cross a picket line to report to work will not be paid for the time missed. NSGEU employees are encouraged to discuss their plans with their supervisors as soon as possible.
As a full-time faculty member, can I move my courses online?
Classes that are not suspended are expected to continue in their scheduled format.
I’m a member of another unionized employee group at MSVU and I’d like to join the picket line on campus. Can I do that?
You can join your colleagues on a picket line provided you’re doing so during your break times only (i.e. not during your regular working hours).
I am feeling anxious. Are supports available?
Employees seeking support are encouraged to engage the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by GreenShield+ at 1-833-707-4747 (toll-free, 24/7, 365).
Have a question not answered here? Please speak to your supervisor, department chair, or dean, or email feedback@msvu.ca.
Is the University open during the CUPE strike?
Yes. The University is open, with services operating as usual.
Will there be access to the Child Study Centre, Health Office, Gym and Library for community members during the strike?
Yes. All campus services remain operational, though you should expect delays accessing campus due to picketing.
Are events still on?
At this time, yes. Only classes taught by part-time faculty are cancelled. If an event is affected, an update will be shared broadly. You can also contact organizers directly for updates.
Where can I get more information on the bargaining process to date?
For the most recent and comprehensive bargaining updates, go to msvu.ca/labourrelations.
Have a question not answered here? Please send it to feedback@msvu.ca.