Ontario Colleges’ Support Staff Prepare to Strike Next Week

URGENT UPDATE: Support staff at 24 Ontario colleges are gearing up for a potential strike as soon as 12:01 a.m. on September 11 if a new contract is not secured. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) announced this critical development today, warning that 10,000 full-time workers will walk off the job if their demands are not met.

After 21 days of bargaining, union representatives have expressed frustration over the lack of progress, particularly concerning the vital issue of job security. “The future of our work is the future of student support on college campuses,” stated Christine Kelsey, Chair of the Full-Time Support Bargaining Team. “We need guarantees that we can protect what’s left so students don’t fall through the cracks.”

The urgency surrounding this situation is compounded by reports of significant layoffs across the college system, with the union highlighting over 10,000 job cuts and the suspension or cancellation of more than 650 programs. “These are good, family-sustaining jobs leaving our communities when unemployment is at a record high in Ontario,” remarked JP Hornick, President of OPSEU/SEFPO, emphasizing the economic impact on small communities where these colleges serve as hubs.

The union attributes these setbacks to “years of deliberate government underfunding and administrative mismanagement.” Once, provincial grants covered three-quarters of operating expenses for colleges, but that figure has dwindled to less than one-third, jeopardizing essential services like accessibility support and financial aid.

In a further escalation, the bargaining team for 13,000 part-time college support staff has also signaled intentions to seek a province-wide strike vote this semester, amplifying concerns for students returning to classrooms this week.

Students, faculty, and community members are urged to stay informed as negotiations continue. If no agreement is reached, the ramifications could affect thousands of students relying on support staff for their educational experience.

Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops. The stakes are high, and the impact on student support services is immediate and profound.