Good day Local 77 members,
As you have likely all heard, Dalhousie University has informed the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) that all DFA members will be locked out starting this Wednesday August 20th 2025. The DFA had already informed the employer that their vote would remain open for a full week to accommodate members who are travelling, concluding on Thursday August 21st 2025. Despite this knowledge, Dalhousie demanded that the DFA provide their decision by Friday August 15th 2025, knowing that this was not possible. The decision to proceed with locking the DFA before their vote ends on Thursday is a clear example of how Dalhousie is not bargaining in good faith. At this time, everything is a day-by-day situation.
This means, though, that as of this Wednesday August 20th, unless an agreement has been reached, the Faculty will not be allowed to do their work. This is job action by choice of the Board of Governors. This is not a choice of the faculty members. They have been holding a strong position this round. It should be noted that in their messaging to their membership they recognize their position of power and privilege, meaning that whatever they agree to with Dalhousie University will be reflected on the other bargaining units across campus. Part of their fight includes us.
To show support and solidarity with the DFA, there are things you can do before, during, and after your work day. These include, but are not limited to:
- Be present and visible: Come to work early to show up on the picket line, offer words of encouragement, and make it clear you stand with DFA members. Feel free to walk with them before your shift, at lunch, or after your shift. You could make and hold a sign with a statement such as “Local 77 Clerical and Technical Workers in Solidarity with the DFA”.
- Bring supplies: Provide food, water, and other necessities to make the picket line more comfortable for their members.
- Acknowledge and engage: Acknowledge the DFA members with honks, waves, and positive interactions.
- Listen and learn: Ask DFA members about their issues and listen to their stories.
- Amplify their voice: share information on social media and other channels, talk to your coworkers about the situation and the difference between a strike and a lockout.
Please remember, you still are required to go to work. This may mean needing to “cross the picket line”, but it is your right and responsibility to do so. If you feel harassed by any member of DFA on a picket line, please let one of your executive know so we can help resolve the issue with the DFA and DFA leader(s). We would just recommend that before you “cross” the line, that you acknowledge the job action happening, support the DFA in ways you feel comfortable, and be respectful to them as well.
In solidarity,
Local 77 Executive
For more information about what is going on with the DFA, visit their website here