After a prolonged period of striking, around 10,000 support personnel at Ontario’s 24 public colleges have come to a tentative agreement with their employer, as announced by the union representing them on Wednesday. These college support workers, comprising roles like librarian technicians, registrar employees, and technology support staff, initiated the strike on September 11, citing concerns about job security and college funding.
Scheduled to resume work on Thursday, the support workers will assess the specifics of the new agreement and vote on its ratification, according to a news release from the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Christine Kelsey, head of the union’s negotiation team, emphasized the necessity of the strike in response to perceived threats to public education, including potential privatization, thousands of job cuts, and numerous program eliminations.
The College Employer Council (CEC) mentioned that a private mediation session held over the weekend successfully resolved the bargaining deadlock. Although the tentative deal must undergo ratification by November 4, picketing will cease for the time being, the employer confirmed. Graham Lloyd, CEO of the CEC, expressed gratitude for the imminent return of the support staff, highlighting their essential role in college operations and student achievement.
Negotiations between OPSEU and the CEC commenced in June following the expiration of the previous contract in September, leading to over 10,000 workers initiating the strike. The union had previously warned of significant job losses due to cuts in jobs and programs, prompting their fight for job security and adequate funding for public colleges.
Accusations were made by the union against Premier Doug Ford’s government for underfunding Ontario’s public college system. The release on Wednesday underscored broader concerns, asserting that the college system was intentionally being deprived of funds as part of a larger privatization agenda.
The union’s demands, which included safeguards against college closures, mergers, and staff layoffs during the contract period, were deemed financially unfeasible by the CEC due to substantial declines in college enrollments and revenues. The public now has a deeper understanding of the situation, thanks to the union’s community engagement during the strike period.
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