University negotiations in a conciliatory phase to proceed on Tuesday, as Dalhousie University's union parts.
Dalhousie University Lockout Continues as Conciliation Talks Resume
The lockout at Dalhousie University, affecting over 1,000 professors, librarians, instructors, and professional counsellors, is still ongoing after three weeks. The ongoing standoff between the university and the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) has disrupted many classes, which started its fall semester on Sept. 2.
Both parties resumed talks with a provincially-appointed conciliator, Michael Wright, on Monday. The conciliation talks are aimed at resolving the ongoing lockout and reaching a new collective agreement. The lockout occurred on August 20, following months of negotiations for a new collective agreement.
The DFA is seeking a 14.25 per cent wage increase over three years, while the university's final offer is a six per cent increase over the same period. The union is also looking for expanded parental leave benefits and expanded access to child care, among other things.
The DFA Bargaining Team agreed that the only way to conclude a new collective agreement is at the bargaining table under the supervision of a conciliator. The union president, Dave Westwood, accused the board of governors' bargaining team of being unprofessional and unpredictable, trying to undermine the collective bargaining process to sow division and confusion.
Last month, the DFA filed a complaint with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour over the university's use of public messages to directly bargain with members. The university has not commented on this matter publicly.
The conciliator has directed the university and the union to return to the bargaining table at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. It remains to be seen whether this round of talks will lead to a resolution and an end to the lockout.
As the situation continues to unfold, students and faculty members at Dalhousie University are left in limbo, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing lockout.
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