(Monday, September 15, 2025 – Halifax, NS): On Friday, September 12, the bargaining teams for the DFA and Dalhousie Board of Governors met late in the afternoon under the facilitation of Conciliator Rick Rose. The DFA made a significant move on its proposals with the firm intention of concluding a new agreement that is affordable for the Administration. The DFA also tabled a comprehensive plan for getting faculty and students back into the classroom.
“Based on feedback from our members and students, we are prepared to make compromises on our initial return-to-work protocol so that classes can resume as quickly as possible while respecting our members’ needs for adequate preparation time,” says DFA President Dave Westwood. “The Board has taken more than $10M in salary and benefits from our members during their lockout, so it strains credibility to hear that our proposal to conclude a new collective agreement is unaffordable. I hope the Board is sincere when they say they want to resolve the lockout quickly, because all they need to do now is say yes.”
The DFA encourages Dalhousie President Kim Brooks to speak to the Board to authorize acceptance of its proposal. This would bring an end to the lockout, and lay out the best possible outcome for students despite the many problems that have been created by the Board’s lockout strategy.
About DFA
The DFA is the certified bargaining agent for almost 1,000 professors, instructors, librarians and professional counsellors at Dalhousie University. As a volunteer-based organization, we advocate for the rights of our members and work to protect and advance the academic integrity of the University.
To arrange an interview with DFA President David Westwood: email DFA Communications Officer Catherine.Wall@dal.ca