Frustrations are mounting among Dalhousie students as a labour dispute between the faculty association and university shows no signs of slowing down.

Classes are set to begin next week.

Meron Mealy, President of the Dalhousie Student Union tells our newsroom they are also hearing some confusion.

“Students feeling frustrated because they’re not able to make the plans that they’d like to make without a great deal of uncertainty. People are wondering whether they should buy tickets to travel here or not travel or work longer, stay at home longer, or come back to campus,” says Mealy.

She says she tells students it is still in their best interest to come while acknowledging individual circumstances in regard to flexibility.

“We’re still having our regular programming happening here to support students as they move on to campus. If a negotiation does start back up and a deal gets reached, classes could start back on in a couple of days,” adds Mealy.

Mealy says, it would not be ideal to have students scrambling to book last minute flights.

Talks stall

Negotiations are currently at a standstill between the two sides.

Mealy says the student union has been in regular communication with the faculty association and Dalhousie, stressing, a deal that supports people is what is in the best interest of students.

“I guess from our end, we are disappointed that to date there hasn’t been a deal reached because every day that this gets prolonged is another day of severe impacts on students,” adds Mealy.

She says they are really hoping that both parties can come back to the table and come to a negotiated deal that serves all of the Dal community.

What does DFA want?

According to the president of the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA), members want an increase in pay.

Dave Westwood says wages are currently nine per cent below inflation.

On August 22, DFA reached out to the university to resume talks, but have not yet had a response.

The association had a rally Friday, August 22, with another one planned for Friday, August 28.

Dalhousie statement

In an email to our newsroom Dalhousie says they remain sincere in their desire to reach a fair and sustainable agreement.

“The university’s priority is working with the DFA to reach a resolution that restores stability on campus and minimizes further disruption for our students,” reads the statement.

Dal says they will continue to share information with the community and encourage students to arrive on campus in August and September as normal.

Classes start on campus, September 2.