There is a glimmer of hope a strike at NSCC colleges can be avoided.
Faculty and staff are set to hit the picket lines on Monday resulting in the first strike in the history of college.
NSCC President Don Bureaux called it “uncharted waters” but his message was clear – there is still time, even though they are preparing for the worst.
“Every very hour before that date (March 18) is an opportunity for both teams to reach agreements,” said President Don Bureaux. “We must also prepare for what a strike would mean for our community.”
Pay is the last major issue in negotiations. The NSCC had offered eight per cent bump over the next three years but union officials feel it’s not keeping up with the cost of living.
Final offers were exchanged and rejected early Friday morning.
What to expect on Monday
Colleges will remain open during a strike but all teaching and professional support work will stop, and classes will be cancelled.
More than 1,000 non-striking employees will continue to work report to ensure libraries, learning commons and computer labs stay open.
Students, non-striking employees and community members will have access to campuses and learning centres and they can expect to see picket lines at campuses throughout the province.
“Picketers have the right to slow down both walking and driving traffic at the picket line, but they cannot stop people from going to work, school, daycare or other programming. We ask for everyone’s patience as you experience these delays.” said Bureaux.
Internships could continue
The college indicates decisions on work placements will be made on a weekly basis.
- If you are in a current work placement or have an upcoming work placement, we will communicate with you directly via email about any impacts.
Portfolio
- Depending on the duration of a strike, a decision will be made regarding any changes to course or graduating requirements, like the portfolio, at the appropriate time.
The Atlantic Academic Union and NSCC have been negotiating a new collective agreement since August 2023.
The union represents nearly 1,100 faculty and support staff from Yarmouth to Cape Breton.
Talks initially broke down January 19 and provincial conciliators were appointed but further negotiations failed to produce a deal.
