Ontario College Strike Ends: Tentative Deal Reached for 10,000 Staff

BREAKING: The strike involving 10,000 college support staff in Ontario has officially come to an end following a tentative deal reached early Wednesday morning. Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) will put down their picket signs today and are set to return to work by Thursday, October 12, 2023.

In a crucial email sent around 3:30 a.m., OPSEU informed its members of the agreement, which marks the conclusion of nearly five weeks of striking. The union is expected to provide more details during a town hall meeting scheduled for this afternoon. Initial reports indicate that the deal includes substantial wage increases and improved benefit coverage, featuring a notable $1.05-an-hour raise for all workers in the first year.

“After months of intensive negotiations with an incredibly difficult employer, the gains made in this agreement would not have been possible without members holding strong these last weeks,” the message stated. The union emphasized that the agreement also secures enhanced job protections against technological changes, stronger provisions against contracting out, and improved shift premium and on-call rates.

The email conveyed a sense of pride among members, stating, “We all should be incredibly proud of each other for putting up an exceptional fight. But we also have to acknowledge that this deal isn’t enough.” Members will have the opportunity to review and vote on whether to accept the tentative agreement in the coming days.

The negotiations intensified last week, including mediated talks over the Thanksgiving weekend. OPSEU had been pushing for a ban on contracting out work unless approved by the union, alongside guarantees that college managers would not perform tasks assigned to union members. However, these demands were rejected by the College Employer Council, which represents the colleges.

The strike has had significant impacts, with some institutions like Georgian College in Barrie announcing the closure of two campuses amid the labor dispute. Documents revealed that colleges are under pressure to automate, outsource, and consider mergers to cut costs.

As the situation develops, members of OPSEU are looking forward to the next steps, including a vote on the tentative agreement. Stay tuned for further updates as the details unfold, and expect strong reactions from both union members and college administrations in the coming days.