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The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912 is proud to announce a significant milestone for part-time faculty at Dalhousie University (Dal). As of January 14, 2026, part-time instructors in the Architecture Department are officially members of CUPE 3912, with membership retroactive to November 2025. This development represents a major step forward in aligning working conditions for part-time Architecture faculty with national standards and ensuring fair treatment, recognition, and support for these educators.
Prior to this change, the Architecture Department was one of only four departments at Dalhousie that had been exempted from the part-time faculty collective agreement. The inclusion of Architecture faculty in CUPE 3912 now leaves only the departments of Computer Science, Engineering, and Law outside the bargaining unit. With this expansion, the Local further strengthens its commitment to advocating for the rights and working conditions of part-time academics across the university.
For part-time Architecture faculty, this move brings meaningful improvements to their working conditions. Instructors will now benefit from standardized compensation rates, which reflect a fair and competitive structure in line with other architecture programs across Canada. Additionally, the inclusion ensures that hiring practices follow transparent, equitable procedures and that faculty seniority is formally recognized. These changes provide a sense of stability and security for part-time instructors, who play a critical role in shaping the education of future architects while often balancing multiple teaching and professional commitments.
The process leading to this achievement began with a vote by existing CUPE 3912 members in November 2025, which overwhelmingly welcomed the Architecture faculty into the Local. Following this decision, an amendment of certification was filed with the Nova Scotia Labour Relations Board (NSLRB). Dalhousie University did not oppose the filing, allowing the Board to rule in favor of including the Architecture part-time faculty within CUPE 3912 several months earlier than anticipated. This swift approval underscores both the merit of the request and the cooperative approach of all parties involved.
The decision comes in the wake of a period of uncertainty at Dalhousie. The lockout of faculty by the Dalhousie Faculty Association last fall highlighted the precarious nature of part-time academic work and inspired Architecture faculty to complete their organizing campaign within a single academic term. Their efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to solidarity and collective action, reflecting a broader trend across Canadian post-secondary institutions toward unionization and the formalization of part-time faculty rights.
CUPE Local 3912 currently represents approximately 300 part-time faculty members at Dalhousie University, encompassing a wide range of disciplines and ensuring that instructors have access to collective bargaining, equitable working conditions, and professional support. Larissa Atkison, Dal Vice President for Part-Time Academics with CUPE 3912, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion: “Our unit is thrilled to welcome part-time Architecture academics into the Local and looks forward to ensuring they receive the same protections and support as other part-time academic members on campus,” Atkison said. Her comments highlight the Local’s ongoing commitment to fostering fair and supportive working environments for all part-time instructors at Dalhousie.
The inclusion of Architecture faculty in CUPE 3912 also reflects a broader movement within higher education in Canada, where part-time and sessional faculty have historically faced challenges related to job security, compensation, and recognition. By joining a union, these instructors gain a stronger voice in decisions affecting their working conditions, professional development, and participation in departmental governance. The move is a clear signal that Dalhousie University recognizes the importance of equitable treatment and is willing to support faculty in their pursuit of fair labor practices.
In practical terms, part-time Architecture faculty can now expect improvements in several areas. Compensation rates will be standardized to ensure equity with colleagues across disciplines and comparable institutions, providing clarity and fairness in payment for courses taught. Seniority will be formally acknowledged, which can influence future teaching opportunities, promotions, and other professional benefits. Additionally, the adoption of uniform hiring practices ensures transparency and fairness in recruitment, reducing the potential for favoritism or inconsistent treatment. These changes collectively contribute to a more predictable and supportive working environment, allowing faculty to focus on delivering high-quality education.
The broader impact of this decision is significant not only for Architecture faculty but also for Dalhousie University as a whole. By extending collective bargaining rights and protections to part-time instructors, the university reinforces its commitment to academic excellence, equity, and institutional stability. Strong, supported faculty are better positioned to engage students, contribute to innovative research and design, and maintain the high standards of Dalhousie’s Architecture program.
CUPE Local 3912’s successful inclusion of Architecture faculty serves as a model for other departments and institutions navigating the complexities of part-time academic employment. It demonstrates the power of collective organization, the benefits of union representation, and the tangible improvements that can result from inclusive labor practices.
As the 2026 academic term unfolds, CUPE Local 3912 looks forward to working closely with the newly included Architecture faculty to ensure a smooth transition, support professional growth, and uphold the values of fairness and equity that define the Local. This milestone marks a new chapter in the ongoing efforts to secure fair and consistent treatment for part-time academics at Dalhousie University, strengthening both the faculty and the institution for years to come.
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