The Mount Saint Vincent University Faculty Association (MSVUFA) stands in full solidarity with our colleagues in the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) as they face the threat of a lockout beginning August 20.

Lockouts are punitive measures that harm students, undermine academic freedom, and erode the trust and collegiality on which universities depend. Our own experience at MSVU in 2024 showed how deeply disruptive a work stoppage can be, not only for faculty and staff, but for the entire academic community.

The DFA has bargained in good faith and made significant compromises. Yet Dalhousie’s administration has escalated the situation by serving notice of a lockout even before DFA members have completed their democratic vote on the “final offer.” This is unacceptable. If carried out, Dalhousie would be the first U15 university in Canada to lock out its academic staff. This is a terrible precedent for our province and for the sector nationally.

MSVUFA stands with faculty association across Canada in condemning this action. We call on Dalhousie’s administration to withdraw the lockout threat, return to the table, and conclude a fair collective agreement that respects the rights and contributions of its faculty.

Solidarity is our strength. Faculty across Canada will continue to stand together in defence of free and fair collective bargaining.

Mount Saint Vincent University Faculty Association

Today,  I sent a letter to Dalhousie President Kim Brooks expressing MSVUFA’s strong opposition to the threatened lockout of DFA members, calling for the withdrawal of the lockout notice, and renewed focus on finalizing a collective agreement.

How you can support DFA:

  1. Driving pickets on Friday – Stan Orlov will coordinate MSVUFA participation. If you are interested in going, please email Stan at [email protected]
  2. Show solidarity on social media – Follow MSVUFA and DFA on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram, and reshare our posts in support of DFA. This public support was vital to completion of our own strike action in 2024 and is actively monitored by government and university administrations.
  3. Spread the word – Repurpose our solidarity graphic and use some of the following sample statements (or adapt them as you wish):
    • Dalhousie would be the first U15 university to lock out its faculty. That’s a terrible precedent for Nova Scotia and for Canadian higher education. MSVUFA stands in solidarity with DFA: Withdraw the lockout. Get a deal done.
    • A lockout is not a neutral act. It is a choice that punishes students, weakens trust, and undermines academic freedom. We call on Dalhousie to respect its faculty and conclude a fair agreement.
    • Faculty associations across Canada stand with DFA in defending free & fair collective bargaining. MSVUFA urges Dalhousie to end the lockout threat.
    • Lockouts don’t solve financial pressures. They deepen divisions and damage universities’ missions of teaching, research, and service. Dalhousie must choose collaboration, not confrontation.

Thank you for your anticipated solidarity with our faculty colleagues at Dalhousie.

In solidarity,

Conor.

— 

Dr. Conor Barker, Ph.D., R. Psych. 
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology & Faculty of Education
President, Mount Saint Vincent University Faculty Association
Mount Saint Vincent University

FA related inquires, please email [email protected]