Striking part-time faculty at two Nova Scotia universities have denounced requests for binding arbitration to resolve ongoing labour disputes.

CUPE Local 3912 represents striking workers at Saint Mary’s University and Mount Saint Vincent University.

In a statement issued Sunday, CUPE accused the two universities of co-ordinating their efforts.

“We have communicated our willingness to return to the table from day one of both strikes,” said CUPE 3912 president Lauren McKenzie. “We have responded to every request and communication from the employer and conciliator.”

McKenzie said the emails were received approximately 15 minutes apart.

“It seems like our employers are talking to each other, but they won’t talk to us,” she said.

According to the CUPE statement, sticking points in negotiations have included compensation and job security.

Part-time faculty at the two universities receive stipends “far below” what was recently agreed at Dalhousie University, the statement said.

They also have separate, term-length contracts for every class they teach.

“Can you imagine working for years without ever knowing you have a job beyond the next few months?” McKenzie asked in the statement. “What we’re asking for is fair. What’s not fair is an attempt to skip over the collective negotiations process, while spreading misinformation to our students and supports about what is prolonging this strike.”

CUPE 3912 represents academic workers at Saint Mary’s, Mount Saint Vincent, Dalhousie and NSCAD. Part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s and Mount Saint Vincent have been on strike since Oct. 22 and 23, respectively.

CUPE 3912 reached an agreement with Dalhousie on Oct. 20. That agreement was ratified by workers on Oct. 30.