Part-time faculty at two Halifax universities have ratified a new collective agreement.

In a news release from CUPE Local 3912 Wednesday, the deal comes with historic gains after members walked the picket lines at Saint Mary’s University and The Mount for more than three weeks.

“We’re proud of what workers achieved in bargaining and through job action. But our members are also glad to be back at work this week and in the classroom where they want to be,” says President Lauren McKenzie.

Key issues were addressed including job security and compensation. There were also improvements to contract timelines and evaluations processes.

The union says, prior to the deal, part-time staff at both institutions were among the lowest paid across Canada.

“This is why workers take job action. We made gains that were not on the table a few weeks ago and this new deal is going to make a huge difference in the daily lives of our members,” adds McKenzie.

A deal with Dalhousie was reached October 20.

Workers at SMU and MSVU walked off the job October 22 and 23 before returning to work November 17.

CUPE represents over 5,000 academic workers including part-time faculty, teaching assistants and independent course appointees at MSVU, SMU, Dalhousie and NSCAD.

Negotiations at NSCAD are ongoing.