Saint Mary’s University Part-Time Faculty Prepare for Final Talks

Part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax are set to engage in their final day of conciliation talks with university administration on September 21, 2025. The discussions have reached a critical juncture after nearly a year of negotiations, as the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents approximately 150 part-time workers, indicates they have encountered significant obstacles in achieving their demands.

A recent vote by the union members revealed a strong resolve among the faculty, with 87 percent expressing their willingness to strike if necessary. Central to their concerns is the issue of job security. The union is advocating for guaranteed work for part-time instructors who have been employed for at least three consecutive years.

Ongoing Negotiations and Broader Context

The situation at Saint Mary’s is part of a larger trend affecting part-time faculty across the region. CUPE 3912 also represents part-time instructors at Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University, both of which are currently in the process of negotiating their own contracts. The collective bargaining efforts reflect broader challenges faced by part-time faculty in securing stable employment and benefits in higher education.

As the discussions unfold, the outcome of these talks will not only impact the faculty at Saint Mary’s but may also set a precedent for negotiations at the other institutions represented by CUPE 3912. The university community is closely monitoring the situation, as the potential for a strike could disrupt classes and academic programs.

The negotiations underscore ongoing concerns about the treatment of part-time educators in the academic landscape, where many face precarious employment conditions. The outcome of these talks will be pivotal for the future of part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s and potentially across other institutions in the region.

In the coming hours, both parties will make their final attempts to reach an agreement that could avert a strike and ensure continued educational services for students.