Acadia University and the Service Employees International Union Local 2 (SEIU) have ratified a new collective agreement that is effective retroactively from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. 

“This is the second time this year I’ve been able to say how proud I am of everyone involved in negotiating a new collective agreement. One of our core commitments in our strategic direction is encouraging teamwork, and this successful collective bargaining reinforces our commitment to a work environment that supports employees,” says Jeff Hennessy, President and Vice-Chancellor. 

“We have 87 members who support students and faculty across campus,” says Lucas Evans, Chief Shop Steward for SEIU. “Administrative assistants, laboratory technicians, library staff, admissions and advising, finance, events, student life.  We support the Acadia community in every aspect, through every department.” 

Negotiations took place over four days in October. Both negotiating teams have high praise for their counterparts for their professionalism and commitment to the process. 

“It was rewarding to negotiate with the SEIU team. The new collective agreement is going to improve working conditions for SEIU members and recognizes their value to Acadia,” says Erin Beaudin, Vice-President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. 

“I am incredibly proud of our SEIU team, and our efforts throughout this process. I’m also very impressed with our Acadia counterparts, who arrived at the table prepared and signaled that the university was ready to engage in a meaningful and empathetic way,” Evans says. 

Acadia's Board of Governors ratified the agreement on Wednesday, and the union voted to ratify it on Thursday. 

The negotiating teams included: 

University Team 

Erin Beaudin (Chief Negotiator)
Dr. Kate Ashley
Jennifer Veinot
Duane Currie
Mary-Jane Sypher

SEIU Bargaining Committee 

Lucas Evans (Chief Shop Steward)
Tia Atwell
Christine Sattler
Jean Kelly
Alyssa Rahey (Legal Counsel & Business Agent)
Sarah Knowling