Approximately 650 support workers at Fanshawe College initiated picketing on Thursday morning as part of a province-wide strike involving 10,000 workers. Despite the strike, all classes, buildings, labs, and learning activities at the college remain operational, although individuals are advised to anticipate delays in accessing the campus. To prevent crossing picket lines, London transit buses have been rerouted.
Adam Rayfield, the president of OSPSEU Local 109 representing Fanshawe College workers, emphasized the challenges faced by support staff, highlighting their pivotal roles across various college departments. The strike coincides with the resumption of classes at Ontario’s 24 publicly-funded colleges, where ongoing staff and program reductions are occurring due to financial constraints. The federal government’s decision to cap international study permits last year has further exacerbated funding challenges for colleges.
Fanshawe College has announced layoffs affecting 400 employees and program cancellations due to budgetary pressures. While the provincial government is not directly involved in negotiations between colleges and the College Employer Council, union officials assert that Premier Doug Ford bears responsibility for adequately funding the college system.
The union projects that the collective impact of current and anticipated system-wide cuts will lead to 10,000 job losses and the cancellation of over 650 programs. The primary focus of the strike, as stated by Rayfield, is to safeguard against erosion of layoff protection within the collective agreement. Supporters like student Maxx Wilcox have joined the picket line to stand in solidarity with the workers, emphasizing the essential role of support staff in assisting students, especially those with disabilities.
The College Employer Council contends that the union’s demands could result in more than $900 million in additional costs for colleges, a figure disputed by the union. The CEC has urged the union to consider arbitration to prevent disruptions to student education during the strike.
