No deal to end the strike at Dalhousie.
The university says they are making plans to complete as many fall term courses as possible and specifics will be worked out in the coming days.
Teaching assistants (TA), part-time instructors, markers and demonstrators have been out of class and off the job since October 19.
“We know this is concerning news to our students, especially as we approach the fall study break. We continue to hold out hope the strike could end soon, which would return our valued CUPE members to work and allow suspended classes and teaching supports to resume. However, it is in the best interest of our students and our academic community as whole that we prepare in case the disruption continues.” – Frank Harvey, Provost and Vice-President Academic
CUPE says there is no movement to change job titles so everyone is considered a TA. In an update posted to their website, the union indicates a new offer was presented but rejected because they felt it was too low.
TA’s at Dalhousie are paid $24 per hour, and the university has offered $30.05. The same position at larger universities is paid up between $30 and $40.
“Most importantly, the administration refused to acknowledge the abuse of the Marker/Demonstrator position, which has been used to give TAs 32% pay cuts for doing the same work. All TAs are at risk from this loophole so this artificial distinction must be removed.” – Cupe Local 3912
Both sides met for two days this week, but report little progress in closing the pay gap.