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Labour Relations

CUPE negotiations

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HÂþ»­ is currently negotiating a new collective agreement with CUPE Local 3912, which represents part-time instructors as well as teaching assistants, markers, and demonstrators.

A final conciliation date is scheduled for Monday, October 20. CUPE Local 3912 has filed notice of its intent to strike should an agreement not be reached. If a deal is not reached, a strike could occurÌýas early as Tuesday, October 21.

We remain hopeful an agreement can be reached on Monday that would prevent a strike. In the event a strike occurs, updates and information will be shared on this webpage and directly to students, faculty, and staff by email, along with other channels as appropriate.

Latest Updates

Should a CUPE strike occur…

  • Campuses would remain open.
  • Most HÂþ»­ classes would continue. Classes taught by CUPE instructors would be suspended for the duration of the strike. There may be impacts on coursework, assessments, and/or labs/tutorials in courses supported by CUPE Teaching Assistants (TAs), Markers or Demonstrators.
  • Students should expect communications from their individual instructors, or their department or Faculty, for information on how their courses would be affected.
  • All other employees (faculty and staff) outside of CUPE would be required to report to work as usual. This includes grant-paid employees and members of the DFA, NSGEU and PSAC bargaining units, as well as members of the DPMG, senior administration and other non-unionized employees.
  • We expect faculty, staff and students will continue to engage with one another in a respectful manner. Concerns relating to on-campus conduct should be raised with your supervisor and/or the appropriate campus support office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Students

How will I find out what is going on with my classes if there is a strike?

You will be notified by your instructor or department/Faculty. Please check your HÂþ»­ email regularly.

Am I expected to continue with my coursework during a strike?

Yes. All students (including those who hold CUPE positions) are expected to continue attending unaffected scheduled classes and exams and to complete coursework by posted deadlines. All policies and regulations with each course/program/faculty for late or missed submissions will remain in effect. 

 

Would TAs, Markers and/or Demonstrators be available during a CUPE strike?

No. TAs, Markers and Demonstrators are CUPE Members and will not be available during a strike.

Would graduate students and undergraduate researchers be expected to continue research activities?

Yes, graduate and undergraduate researchers are expected to continue with their research. Graduate students will continue to receive their scholarships/research stipends.

Would thesis defences and comprehensive and proposal examinations be held during a CUPE strike?

Yes. All graduate thesis defences, and comprehensive and proposal exams will continue during a CUPE strike.

Would practicums and co-op placements continue during a CUPE strike?

In most cases, yes. If a student’s placement will be impacted by a CUPE strike, the student will be notified directly.

Do the libraries remain open?

Yes.

How would the strike affect academic dates? Is there a chance the term would be extended?

Academic dates have already been revised to accommodate courses whose start was delayed due to the DFA labour disruption. Further changes will only be considered by Senate if they are absolutely necessary. HÂþ»­ will make every effort to bring the term to a successful and timely completion should a strike occur.

Are strikes legal in Canada?

Yes, strikes are legal in Canada. If CUPE members are picketing outside of a building you need to access for classes, they may carry signs stating the nature of their dispute, and they may ask you to honour their picket lines, but they cannot physically block you from entering your classes or to threaten you to enforce their requests. You are entitled to enter the university’s buildings and to attend class, access campus services or conduct your work. 

If you are uncomfortable crossing a picket line, you may want to consider using an alternate entrance and/or exit. 

Faculty/Staff

If I am a non-CUPE employee, do I still report to work if there is a strike?

Yes. All other employees (staff and faculty) would be required to continue to report work as usual. This includes Grant-Paid Employees, and members of the DFA, NSGEU and PSAC bargaining units, as well as members of the DPMG, senior administration, and other non-unionized employees.

Can I change the format of my class (from in-person to online) to avoid crossing a picket line?

No. Classes that are not suspended should continue in their usual format. If such a change becomes operationally necessary, you should discuss it with your department head.

Am I allowed to march on the picket line in support of CUPE if they strike?

Yes, but only outside of your working hours.

CUPE members

I am part of CUPE as a TA, Marker, Demonstrator or Part-Time Academic, what will happen to my pay in a strike?

CUPE members will not be paid during the strike period.

Would CUPE members have access to campus during a strike?

Not as CUPE Members. Some CUPE Members may continue to access campus and services if they are entitled to do so for other reasons (e.g., as undergraduate or graduate students, or as employees belonging to other employee groups).

Would CUPE members lose access to email during a strike?

No. Given many CUPE members also serve in other roles within the university community (e.g., as undergraduate or graduate students, or as employees belonging to other employee groups), email access will be maintained.

If I am a CUPE member who is also taking courses at HÂþ»­ as a student, do I still attend class?

Yes. All students (including those who hold CUPE positions) are expected to continue attending unaffected scheduled classes and exams and to complete coursework by posted deadlines.

 

Can graduate students still continue with their research or course work during a CUPE strike?

Yes. Those holding grant-paid positions and/or conducting research or course work as part of their graduate program will still have access to research facilities, offices and other spaces, and will be expected to continue their grant-paid employment or research/course activities. Graduate students who are also CUPE members will be expected to stop only those duties that are part of their CUPE contract (teaching, marking, demonstrating, etc.). 

I am part of CUPE as a TA, Marker, Demonstrator or Part-Time Academic. Will my immigration status be impacted by a CUPE strike?

No. The strike is considered legal strike action under the laws in Canada and Nova Scotia, and your immigration status will not be impacted.