The president of the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) described the rally outside the Killam library on campus, Friday afternoon, as amazing.
Dozens of union members and students had gathered in support of DFA days before conciliation talks are scheduled to resume with the university’s Board of Governors; the second rally in two weeks.
Dave Westwood told our newsroom he couldn’t put the energy into words.
“It’s so powerful it moved me to tears. I’m not exaggerating. A couple of times I broke down just to hear what it means to students,” said Westwood. “They really understand and appreciate what we’re doing.”
“Teaching and learning are what this place is about. There’s no university without students and without faculty.”
The two sides have been at odds over a new collective agreement for months.
Key issues are wages.
Westwood said they are nine per cent behind inflation rates and are just trying to climb out of a hole.
“We’re simply looking to regain purchasing power,” said Westwood. “When we say fair wages and cost of living, that’s what we mean.”
Affecting students
Classes started Tuesday, but 90 per cent are cancelled.
Westwood said he teaches Kinesiology and heard from a student who just moved here from Calgary, unsure of what to do.
“They came here to be in classrooms and disappointed they’re not able to do that. I’m disappointed too. This is not how we wanted this to go,” said Westwood.
Dave Westwood, standing next to a list of union names who support DFA. Photo: Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting
Conciliation
It’s been three weeks since members have been locked out.
Conciliation officer Rick Rose asked both sides to return, Wednesday night.
The offer came nearly a week after DFA rejected Dalhousie’s offer for interest arbitration – having a third party decide on a new agreement – and filed a complaint with the labour board.
Conciliation talks are scheduled for Monday.
