Updated, October 21, 2025

An impasse has been declared in the collective bargaining process, and subsequent conciliation between the University Administration and CUPE 3912.

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.

Below are the protocols and expectations for work stoppage:

MSVU Campus access

1. Other than to perform other work at MSVU, striking members will be prohibited access to the following building and areas:

  • All parking areas on campus
  • Academic and Administrative Buildings (including the library)
  • Dining Halls and Cafes
  • Rosaria Student Centre (including the bookstore and Athletic Facilities)
  • Student Residences

2. Striking members will be granted access to the following building and areas:

  • Health clinic in Assisi Hall for scheduled appointments
  • Child Study Centre (for drop off and pick up of children only)
  • Removal of personal belonging should take place prior to the start of strike action. If a need arises, requests to retrieve personal belongings during a strike will be considered with written request to the Vice-President Administration

3. Picketing:

  • Picketing will not be permitted on campus, except as noted in Item 5.
  • The residences and property of MSVU personnel will not be subject to picketing.
  • Vehicles or individuals entering Mount Saint Vincent University will not be unnecessarily delayed due to picketing activity. Although slowing down the entry of vehicles to campus is a common practice during labour disputes, the University does not have jurisdiction over Bedford Highway, which is under the purview of Halifax Regional Police.

4. Seton Road is a private road. The Owner has been notified and confirms that they will not allow blocking access to the road or picketing on Seton Road.

5. As building access is prohibited, the striking union may opt to provide and pay for portable toilets or an ablution trailer. Space in the parking lot in front of EMF has been identified and will be reserved for this function.

Information Technology

6. Access to MSVU email, Microsoft 365 accounts and Moodle will continue.

7. Access to Help Desk will only be via email or phone, not in person.

Employment Terms

8. Stipend payments will be discontinued effective from the last active day at work.

9. Timelines under the expired collective agreement including those related to grievance, appointment procedures, evaluation, and discipline will be suspended during the strike. Required adjustments will be addressed after the labour disruption.

Research

10. Other than research undertaken as part of a class taught by a part-time faculty member on a CUPE contract, research activities and the supervision of students’ thesis projects, directed studies, independent studies, challenge examinations, and supervision of student teaching are not bargaining unit work and will continue.

11. Members who plan to submit applications to internal research grants or awards processes or external grant or award agencies with competition deadlines during a strike should notify the Research Office, supports for these activities will continue as they fall outside bargaining unit work.

12. Expense claims will not be processed during a strike. If a member attends meetings or conferences related to their CUPE 3912 work during the strike, they are still considered on strike and will not be paid salary. Expense claims for such activities will be processed after the labour action.