Statement from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour in support of faculty at Dalhousie University

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour strongly condemns Dalhousie University’s decision to lock out the 1,000-plus members of the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA). This is a reckless and damaging step that undermines both fair labour relations and the university’s core mission of education.

The DFA represents close to 1,000 professors, instructors, librarians, and counsellors, the people who teach, mentor, research, and support students every single day. They are the heart of what makes Dalhousie a respected institution. Instead of recognizing their dedication, Dalhousie has chosen to impose a lockout before the membership has even finished voting on the latest offer. This heavy-handed tactic disrespects the democratic process and undermines good-faith bargaining.

DFA President David Westwood has been clear: the bargaining team does not recommend the employer’s offer, and faculty remain committed to negotiating at the table. They seek a fair settlement that ensures quality education and enables them to perform their work effectively. By choosing a lockout, Dalhousie is replacing dialogue with intimidation.

The damage goes far beyond the workplace. By cancelling “most, but not all” classes, Dalhousie is disrupting students’ education, delaying crucial academic work, and creating chaos just days before the fall term begins. Thousands of students now face confusion and stress because of this decision. Let’s be clear: the union is ready to negotiate, it is Dalhousie that has slammed the door shut. Faculty members are not disposable. They are the backbone of the university’s reputation and success. Fair pay, manageable workloads, and job security are not luxuries; they are the foundation of a strong institution. Locking out faculty before their vote even concludes is not only disrespectful to staff but also a direct attack on the principles of free and fair collective bargaining.

If Dalhousie truly cares about stability and student success, there is only one path forward: lift the lockout, get back to the bargaining table, and negotiate a fair deal. Anything less puts students, faculty, and the university’s future at risk. The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and our 70,000 members stand in full solidarity with the DFA. We call on Dalhousie to reverse this harmful decision immediately and return to bargaining in good faith.