Â鶹´«Ã½

What classes would be cancelled if there is a faculty strike or lockout?

How will I find out what’s going on with my classes?

The university is planning to provide a list of classes that would be continuing in a strike or lockout. You can expect further updates in your Dal email and in Brightspace.

Do classes in Dentistry and Medicine continue during a strike or lockout?

Yes, classes Dentistry and Medicine would continue, but there will be some exceptions. These exceptions will be communicated directly to students registered in those classes.

Do online and off-campus classes still take place?

No. All classes taught by DFA members — both online and on-campus — would be suspended in the event of a strike or lockout. Any exceptions will be communicated ahead of a labour disruption taking place.

What about classes in the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development?

All classes in Open Learning and Career Development would continue, including English as a Second Language courses, with the exception of Transition Year Program (TYP) classes taught by DFA members — TYP classes would be suspended.

What about classes at the University of King’s College?

Classes proceeding will be determined by program. A list of Dal-King’s suspended classes would be provided ahead of a potential labour disruption.

I’m currently enrolled in summer courses. Will my courses be impacted by a potential labour disruption?

Yes, all classes, exams, and thesis defenses overseen by DFA members would not be held in the event of a work stoppage.

Â鶹´«Ã½ is committed to supporting students in their academic progression and will be in touch with students registered for current summer courses directly about how a potential work stoppage would alter their exams or course timelines.

Should I still plan to travel to campus?

Yes, you should plan to arrive on campus as normal.

Campus will remain open. In the event of a strike/lockout, a deal could be reached with very little notice, and classes could begin or resume within a day or two.

Does the university remain open in a strike or lockout?

• Food service locations
• Residence dining halls 
• Athletic and recreational facilities
• Campus buildings
• The Â鶹´«Ã½ Bookstore
• Student Health & Wellness Centre
• DalCard and UPass offices
• Registrar’s Office & Student Accounts
• Academic and career advising
• Student Accessibility Centre
• Student supports centres

Will residence still open on schedule?

Yes, residences and dining halls will be open on schedule and be staffed appropriately.

Will Orientation activities go ahead as planned?

Yes, engaging Orientation activities are planned for new Halifax and Truro students and will still take place.

Would libraries stay open in a strike or lockout?

Yes, all libraries would remain open.

Will varsity and recreational athletics still take place? Will Dalplex and the Langille Athletic Centre remain open?

Yes, varsity and recreational/intramural athletics would continue as normal and both Dalplex and the Langille Centre will be open for normal hours.

Do I still pay tuition and fees?

You should plan to pay tuition and fees as normal. In the event a strike/lockout occurs, and classes are affected, more information will be shared about add/drop dates and fee schedules.

Would my scholarship be affected if there is a strike or lockout?

No, scholarships and financial aid will not be affected and will proceed as normal.

Will practicums, co-op placements, clinical and field work placements, and internships continue during a DFA strike or lockout?

Co-op terms and internships will proceed as planned. If specific scenarios are affected, students will be contacted by their co-op office, department/faculty, or supervisor.

Would DFA members have access to campus if there is a strike or lockout?

No, except as agreed under Article 34 of the Collective Agreement, in the case of public facilities (noted below).

Would DFA members have access to fitness facilities, the University Children’s Centre, the Â鶹´«Ã½ Arts Centre, public events on campus, etc.?

Yes. DFA members with a fitness membership, children at the University Children’s Centre, tickets to an event at the Dal Arts Centre, or who wish to attend other regular public events on campus would be permitted as any other member of the public would be.

Can DFA members incur travel expenses or purchases during a strike or lockout?

No. Travel and expense claims would not be reimbursed for travel or expenses incurred during a strike or lockout.

What if DFA members need to cancel pre-existing work travel plans?

Travelers should make all reasonable attempts to avoid or reduce non-reimbursable travel costs in the event work travel plans are disrupted due a strike or lockout.

Reimbursement will be at the discretion of the approvers in instances where non-refundable reservations were cancelled.

If there is a DFA strike or lockout, will members of other unions or employee groups be affected?

No. All other employees (staff and faculty) would be required to continue to work as usual.

Would DFA members have access to research facilities, services, or funds during a strike or lockout?

No, except as agreed under Article 34 of the Collective Agreement.

ORS is respecting normal timelines and procedures for all funding applications. Information on procedures, including internal deadlines, are linked .

Are the DFA and Â鶹´«Ã½ administration still actively talking? Are there plans to return to the bargaining table? 

The negotiating teams are expected to meet with the conciliator at least once more before any action is taken. We remain hopeful an agreement can be reached.

What is the difference between a strike and a lockout?

The effect on Â鶹´«Ã½ is the same either way: a labour disruption occurs in which union members do not perform their work at the university.

A strike and a lockout are both strategies to try and resolve the issues at the bargaining table when negotiations have not succeeded. The difference is that, in a strike, the union withdraws their labour, whereas in a lockout it’s the employer who takes the action to stop work.

What is the earliest date a strike or lockout could occur?

The earliest a labour disruption could occur would be the week of August 11.