Support staff at colleges throughout Ontario, with over 700 at Conestoga College, have been on strike for two weeks. The college employer has confirmed that both sides will meet with a mediator on Friday, raising hopes for a resolution. This development follows recent remarks by the College Employer Council (CEC), labeling the union’s demands as unreasonable and unattainable.
Graham Lloyd, CEO of the CEC, expressed frustration, stating that OPSEU’s demands were already unrealistic from the start of negotiations. The CEC acknowledged that OPSEU sought a government-appointed mediator through media reports, leading to an agreement to engage in mediation on Friday. Lloyd emphasized the importance of reaching a fair agreement that considers the interests of employees, students, and the long-term viability of the college system.
Over 10,000 full-time support workers at Ontario’s 24 public colleges initiated the strike on September 11 to secure job security, according to the union. Negotiations for a new contract between the CEC and OPSEU have been ongoing since June, with OPSEU advocating for improved wages, benefits, and job security for its staff.
Support staff at Conestoga College, represented by OPSEU, fulfill various roles in departments such as disability services, libraries, student services, and trades, impacting daily operations and student experiences. Despite the strike, Conestoga College remains open, while certain facilities like child-care centers are closed. Vikki Poirier, president of Local 238, emphasized the integral role support staff play in students’ education.
The CEC outlined what it deemed as OPSEU’s four most unreasonable demands, including guarantees on campus mergers, staff reductions, outsourcing prohibitions, and restrictions on support staff duties. The CEC expressed appreciation for the support staff’s contributions and hopes for a swift resolution to the strike.
Leopold Koff, president of OPSEU Local 237 representing faculty and counselors at Conestoga College, voiced concerns about the increased workload on remaining staff and potential safety risks due to the absence of support staff. The college assured that contingency plans are in place to mitigate service disruptions during the strike, with non-striking employees temporarily reassigned to cover essential tasks.
As negotiations continue, both sides are striving to find common ground to end the strike and address the needs of all stakeholders involved.
