DFA President Dave Westwood walks the line with CUPE3912.
DFA Members support APPBUSA strike Spring 2022.
DFA certified in 1978.
DFA negotiated a new agreement, effective July 1, 2022.
AT A GLANCE
DID YOU KNOW?
In recognition of African Heritage Month, DFA hosted a zoom presentation by Dr. Isaac Saney, Building Black Canadian Studies: Dalhousie's Contribution. A recording of Dr. Saney's information-packed, fast-moving and passionate presentation can be found here. Dr. Saney is the director of Dalhousie's Transition Year Program. He holds a PhD in history from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London in the United Kingdom. His teaching and scholarship encompass Africa, the Caribbean, Cuba, Black Canadian history and the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. He chairs Dalhousie's committee developing what will be Canada's first major in Black and African Diaspora Studies. He is also an Adjunct Professor in history at Saint Mary’s University.
DFA and ANSUT hosted a Public Forum on University Governance: Faculty and Student Perspectives. Our speakers passionately shared their insights and personal experiences on this important issue that affects those in post-secondary education from coast to coast. Many steps and recommendations for improved governance models at our institutions were put forward. Progress toward this improvement only happens as a result of open, thoughtful and respectful dialogue, and we thank our speakers for leading that discussion. A recording of the presentations can be found here.
The DFA Membership has voted to accept the tentative agreement reached last week with the Dalhousie Board of Governors.
"Last week, both sides came to the table ready to work with the conciliator and we are pleased with the resulting agreement,” said DFA President David Westwood. “While no side ever gets everything they are looking for, this is an agreement that our Executive and our membership can stand behind.
A total of 773 members had their say in the ratification vote which took place Thursday and Friday this week. This represents 77% of our total membership. Of those who voted, 93.7% voted to accept the deal.
Before the tentative agreement can be considered a new collective agreement, the Dalhousie Board of Governors must also vote to accept the deal. If that happens, the tentative agreement will form the new collective agreement and will be effective retroactively to July 1, 2022.
The current collective agreement between the DFA and the Dalhousie Board of Governors expired June 30, 2022. DFA filed notice to bargain on April 1, 2022. Bargaining began September 29 and after nine meetings, the teams were unable to reach an agreement. The DFA filed for conciliation on November 9, and its members delivered a strike mandate of over 92% in mid-December. Conciliation took place January 4 and 5 with provincially-appointed conciliation officer Peter Lloyd.
DFA’s Bargaining Bulletins can be found here.
Together, We Are Dal
Professors, instructors, librarians and counsellors - our valued DFA members - are dedicated to their students, providing the best possible post-secondary education and experience for the Dalhousie community. The success of this university relies on the commitment of our members.
The DFA negotiates and protects one of the strongest collective agreements in Canada’s university sector. Bargaining on behalf of more than 950 members, our volunteers and staff work tirelessly advocating for Members’ rights, making your concerns heard by the Administration. Year after year, we challenge the Administration on issues that affect our members, our students, and our fellow workers at Dal.
For a history of the DFA, read 40 Years of Activism: Working for a Better Dalhousie.
As a member of the DFA, you can help!
- Get involved. Contact the DFA about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend DFA events. General meetings and other special events happen several times a year, so watch your email, this site and social media.
- Stay social. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @dalfacultyassoc. Like and share our content to spread the word about issues important to our members.
Together, we are Dal.
We welcome your questions, concerns and feedback.
Email dfa@dal.ca or call 902-494-3722.
You can also email the DFA President anytime at dfapresident2022@gmail.com.
QUICK FACTS
Dal’s Pension Plan is healthy and strong. As of Sept 30/21, the Plan was funded at 110.8% on a going-concern basis, the only standard that applies. The Plan is required to be funded at 107.7%.
Upon request to the Dean, Members have a right to defer applying for reappointment, tenure, continuing appointment, or appointment without term for up to 2 yrs. This request must stem from COVID-19 work disruption and current appointments will be extended accordingly.
In recogntion of the additional demands placed upon a Member during COVID-19, all Members have an additional 5 days vacation for the 2021-2022 vacation year.
Article 30.05 - if you are off sick, the Chair (or above) should RESCHEDULE your classes, not reassign them to other people.