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(Halifax) The two major unions at Dalhousie University are teaming up to try and tackle some serious staffing problems which have emerged at the university.

The Dalhousie Faculty Association and CUPE Local 3912 have sent a joint letter to the president and vice chancellor of Dalhousie, inviting Dr. Tom Traves and representatives of the board and senior administration to a meeting which would be facilitated by an independent mediator, in hopes of resolving the issue.

This is the first time CUPE, representing over 700 Teaching Assistants and part-time faculty at Dalhousie, and the DFA representing over 700 full-time faculty and librarians have worked jointly on an issue.

The university has admitted that it is in violation of contractual obligations on staffing matters, but says it is not able to comply with the collective agreements for the current and upcoming terms.

The two unions say increased student enrolment, sharp increases in tuition and classroom crowding have prompted the joint initiative.

Several weeks into the school year, overcrowding has become a major issue on campus and there appears to be no resolution in sight.

For information:
Linda Thurston-Neeley, CUPE National Representative
455-4180 (o)
Colin Stuttard, Dalhousie Faculty Association
494-3722 (DFA Office) 494-6566 (work