Conestoga College students push for tuition refund as support staff strike continues

CTV’s Alexandra Holyk hears frustration from students at Conestoga College who claim to be receiving only half the education they paid for.

Some Conestoga College students are calling for a partial tuition refund because of ongoing labour action.

Nearly a month ago, support workers at all 24 of Ontario’s public colleges hit the picket lines after contract negotiations with the College Employer Council (CEC) broke down.

For Paytan Chartrand, a second-year payroll student at Conestoga College, the last four weeks have been filled with uncertainty.

“It’s incredibly difficult to go to school every day and not know if you’re actually going to be going to school for the next day,” Chartrand said.

She also said a lack of communication from the college about classes has created problems for students.

“It’s a train wreck,” said Chartrand. “And it shines a light on how poorly managed this entire strike’s affected the college.”

Chartrand and several other students have decided to take a stand. They’ve launched a petition to raise awareness and make colleges pay attention.

“We’re asking them to commit to compensation or partial tuition refunds for the loss of amenities that we’ve had, the loss of supports and the effects that it’s had on us,” she said.

In a statement to CTV News, a Conestoga spokesperson said the college hears students’ concerns.

“If learning is affected by the strike, decisions on refunds will be made by the provincial government, not individual colleges,” the spokesperson said.

CTV News reached out to the CEC for comment. A spokesperson said they don’t have a statement as of Thursday afternoon, but will provide an update when it’s available.

On the picket lines, striking staff expressed their support for students.

“They paid for an experience that they’re being robbed of,” said Elizabeth Record, the treasurer of Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 238, representing support workers at Conestoga College.

“We are here to support and serve the students,” said Vikki Poirier, president of the union’s local chapter. “The students are not getting the supports and services, but they’re still paying the full ticket.”

Meanwhile, Chartrand said students just want their voices heard.

“We don’t have a seat at the table. We’re not part of the negotiations. So we have become collateral damage in all of this,” said Chartrand. “We want the tuition refund. We deserve the tuition refund. But it’s about us being heard.”

The Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security said it is not a party in labour negotiations.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and remain hopeful that the parties return to the table and reach a fair deal that puts students first,” a spokesperson for the minister said, in a statement.