The union representing university workers (CUPE 3912) have strike mandates from two campuses in the Halifax area.

Part-time instructors at Mount St. Vincent (MSVU) and Saint Mary’s (SMU) voted strongly in favour of hitting the picket lines if they can not reach a deal with their respective universities.

Members at MSVU voted 95.2% in favour of a strike while SMU voted 91.8% in favour.

They are looking for better pay, similar to the central issue that led to a weeks long strike at Dalhousie in the fall.

CUPE President Cameron Ells says there has been little progress to date and they are getting ready to strike on short notice.

“Negotiations began two years ago with both employers,” says Cameron Ells. “Those involved in our 2023 negotiations will know that at short notice, this union may be on strike, again.”

Negotiation at both universities will resume in the new year.

In both cases, a conciliator from Nova Scotia Labour will be present in an effort to help overcome the impasses that have been reached.