Dalhousie’s Part-Time Architecture Faculty Join CUPE 3912

HALIFAX, NS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912 is pleased to announce that part-time faculty in the Architecture Department at Dalhousie University (Dal) are officially members of our Local as of January 14, 2026, retroactive to November 2025.

Architecture was one of only four departments at Dalhousie previously exempted from the part-time faculty collective agreement. With this change, only part-time faculty in Computer Science, Engineering, and Law remain outside the bargaining unit.

This move brings part-time Architecture faculty working conditions into alignment with standards at architecture programs across Canada. Instructors will now enjoy improved compensation, a standard hiring practice, and have their seniority recognized.

CUPE 3912 members voted to welcome the group into the Local in November 2025. An amendment of certification was subsequently filed with the Nova Scotia Labour Relations Board and was unopposed by Dalhousie University. The Board ruled to include the Architecture part-time faculty in CUPE 3912 several months earlier than expected.

Motivated by the uncertainty created by the Dalhousie Faculty Association lockout last fall, the Architecture part-time academics completed their organizing campaign within a single academic term.

CUPE Local 3912 represents approximately 300 part-time faculty at Dalhousie University. Larissa Atkison, Dal VP for part-time Academics with CUPE 3912, welcomed the decision. “Our unit is thrilled to welcome Architecture part-time academics into the Local and looks forward to ensuring they receive the same protections and support as other part-time academic members on campus,” said Atkison.

CUPE 3912’s most recent collective agreement was bargained in October 2025.

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