More than 10,000 full-time support workers at the 24 public colleges in Ontario are set to strike from Thursday onwards to secure job stability, as per the union. Negotiations between the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) support staff bargaining team and the College Employer Council (CEC) broke down after the CEC allegedly walked away from the bargaining table without responding since Wednesday evening.
The union stressed the importance of union power in their fight for job security and student support. They highlighted concerns over potential mass layoffs and program cancellations, estimating up to 10,000 job losses and over 650 program terminations due to system-wide cuts.
OPSEU, representing various support workers, has been in contract negotiations with the CEC since June, following the expiration of the previous contract on September 1. Job security and adequate funding remain key issues for the union.
OPSEU President JP Hornick emphasized the significance of the strike for the welfare of current and future students. The union called out Premier Doug Ford’s administration for allegedly neglecting public education, redirecting funds to certain areas while defunding programs and jobs.
Support for the striking workers has been significant, with over 55 community groups pledging their solidarity, according to the union. Despite the strike affecting essential services at public colleges, post-secondary classes across various locations are ongoing.
CEC’s CEO Graham Lloyd refuted claims of walking away from negotiations, citing the union’s ‘poison pill’ demands as a major hindrance. The CEC proposed improvements to the collective agreement, including wage increases, enhanced benefits, and job security enhancements, amounting to over $145 million.
The CEC argued that the union’s demands could financially burden colleges with over $900 million in additional costs, urging arbitration to prevent disruptions to student learning. The province, represented by Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn, emphasized monitoring the situation and prioritizing student interests.
While classes continue at most college campuses, student support services may experience delays. The strike’s impact extends to daycare closures at some colleges, prompting parents to seek alternative childcare arrangements amid the labor dispute.