Looming support worker strike casts shadow over Canadore College’s first day back

Canadore College students worry that a looming strike by 10,000 support staff could disrupt classes as early as Sept. 11.

A sense of apprehension was mingled with the usual first-day excitement at Ontario colleges this week, as students returned to classrooms with a potential strike by thousands of support staff possible as early as next week.

At Canadore College in North Bay, many students worried their studies could be disrupted if a deal is not reached between the union representing full-time support staff and the College Employer Council before the Sept. 11 deadline.

“I hope they can reach a deal so everyone can be happy,” said Canadore College student Haylie Couchie.

Potential disruption

Around 10,000 full-time support staff at 24 Ontario colleges are prepared to hit the picket lines on Sept. 11 if a new contract agreement is not reached.

“It does worry me a bit because I just got here,” said first-year student Dallas Payne, echoing the concerns of many newcomers adjusting to campus life.

Job security key sticking point

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union, which represents the college support staff, said the sides have yet to reach an agreement on stronger job security language in the new contract, arguing that support staff are directly tied to student services.

“We need to see some job security language that we’re fighting for. Every support services person is attached to services for our students,” said Christine Kelsey, chair of the full-time support bargaining team.

“When we’re walked out the door, they don’t have the services they need.”

OPSEU placed blame for the contentious negotiations on “years of deliberate government underfunding and administrative mismanagement,” which it claims led to “one of the largest layoffs in provincial history.”

The union said more than 10,000 job cuts have occurred in the college system alongside the suspension or cancellation of over 650 programs.

Provincial grants, meanwhile, which covered three-quarters of operating expenses in 1967, have now fallen to less than a third.

Employer council calls union demands ‘unacceptable’

The College Employer Council said it has made a strong offer, including employment stability provisions and $145 million in new benefits and wage increases.

But Graham Lloyd, chief executive officer of the College Employer Council, told CTV News the union is making demands that are “simply unacceptable.”

“They couch them in what they call job security, but ... it includes a demand that there would be no campus mergers, campus closures,” Lloyd said.

“They have a demand that there be absolutely no reduction or layoffs of their staff ... That’s just something that the colleges can’t agree to.”

Students, government hopeful for resolution

With the deadline fast approaching, students said they hope a resolution can be found to avoid disruption to their academic year.

“Usually, it ends pretty quick if we do have strikes,” said student Jane Wall.

In a statement to CTV News, a spokesperson for the Ontario government said it is monitoring the situation but is not a direct party to the talks.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” the statement said.

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