last updated december 6, 2018

1. what is the current status of bargaining between the university and the msvu faculty association?

conciliation talks ended on november 22, following three days of negotiations. unfortunately, an agreement was not reached.

the next step is for the conciliator to prepare a report for the minister of labour and advanced education. once that report has been filed, a minimum two-week cooling-off period must elapse before any further action can be taken. at the end of the cooling-off period, the conciliator will meet again with both parties – that meeting is expected to take place on january 2, 2019.

2. are mount faculty going on strike?

the msvufa may choose to strike after the parties meet again in january if no agreement is reached (january 2 at the earliest). that does not mean a strike is inevitable. we hope that negotiations will continue between the university and the msvufa and that a strike will be averted. however, we are taking the important step of making contingency plans in order to minimize the impact on the university community should a strike occur.

3. will there be advance notice of a strike?

the msvufa is required to give 48 hours’ notice of their intent to strike. we will advise the mount community as soon as we are able if a strike is imminent.

4. are classes still on and services operational?

all mount operations – including classes, labs, and student services – continue as normal.

5. who does the msvu fa represent?

the msvufa represents 144 full-time faculty, professional librarians and lab instructors.

6. how long have the university and msvufa been in negotiations?

negotiations began june 18, 2018 and the bargaining teams met 28 times throughout the summer and fall.
the previous contract between mount saint vincent university board of governors and mount saint vincent university faculty association expired on june 30, 2018.

7. how can i get updates on negotiations?

updates will be sent via email to all mount students and employees, as well as posted on the university’s website and later available via social media (facebook – mount saint vincent university; twitter – @msvu_halifax).

8. if a strike takes place, will the university be closed?

no, the university will remain open.

9. if a strike takes place, will classes be cancelled or fall exams affected?

a strike cannot take place until a minimum two-week cooling-off period has elapsed after the conciliator files his report. at the end of the cooling-off period, the conciliator will meet again with both parties – that meeting is expected to take place on january 2, 2019. this means that the earliest the msvufa could choose to strike is after that meeting. since classes end on december 5 for the fall semester, and exams end on december 15, there will be no impact on classes or exams this semester.

10. if there is a strike, will i receive a tuition refund?

should a strike occur, our goal will be to ensure all students have sufficient class time to meet their learning outcomes and maintain the quality learning experience they expect from the mount. if time is lost, it could be made up in a number of ways, all of which would be explored.

11. if there is a strike, should i still come to the university? should i consider delaying my return to campus in january?

you should plan to return as normal as classes could resume at any time if a strike occurs. while classes taught by full-time faculty, professional librarians and lab instructors would not go ahead during a strike, other services and programs would continue and you would be encouraged to continue with your studies as best you can and stay up-to-date on what is happening in relation to the strike.

12. will co-op placements continue as normal in january?

yes, students on co-op placements in january should plan to start their placements as normal.

13. i’m supposed to graduate this spring. could this be impacted by a strike?

while contingency plans will vary depending on student circumstances and the particulars of a strike situation (e.g. length, etc), the university’s goal will be to ensure all students are able to complete their programs as planned.

14. in the event of a strike, is a picket line expected?

should a strike occur, a picket line is likely. a union is permitted to form a picket line when in a legal strike situation.

15. should i come to work in the event of a strike?

all employees who are not part of the msvufa should plan to attend work in the event of a strike. the university will provide updates and work with employees to ensure that they are aware of any arrangements in place.

16. in the event of a strike, will my courses taught by part-time faculty go ahead?

yes, courses taught by part-time faculty will proceed should a strike occur. additional information regarding courses will be provided as needed.

do you have a question not answered above?

please send it to feedback@msvu.ca and we will get back to you as soon as possible.