Support staff at Algonquin College, La Cité and other colleges across Ontario are expected to return to work on Thursday after unionized workers reached a tentative agreement with the colleges. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) announced early Wednesday morning it had reached a tentative agreement with the College Employer Council for more than 10,000 support staff. “After months of intensive negotiations with an incredibly difficult employer, the gains made in this agreement would not have been possible without members holding strong these last weeks,” said Christine Kelsey, chair of OPSEU’s bargaining team. “We had no choice but to fight back amidst a plan to privatize public education, as well as 10,000 job losses and over 650 program cuts across the system.” OPSEU did not release any details on the contract, saying the tentative settlement will be presented to members this afternoon. In an interview on Newstalk 580 CFRA’s Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal, Kelsey said the union was in a “pretty tough fight” in contract talks. “The colleges are currently in a crisis situation,” Kelsey said, noting colleges have been closing programs. “We were seeing job cuts and our members were being walked out the door.” Kelsey said the strike “did not need to be five weeks.” The College Employer Council, which represents the colleges, said a weekend-long private mediation session with a mediator “broke a bargaining impasse” and resulted in the settlement. “Support staff play an important role in our colleges, supporting operations and contributing to student success. We are grateful to have them back to work,” said Graham Lloyd, CEO of College Employer Council. “The past five weeks of the strike have been challenging for everyone involved. We appreciate the persistence of the bargaining teams on both sides, and the guidance of Mediator William Kaplan, to reach this agreement.” The union representing full-time support staff at colleges launched strike action on Sept. 11 to back demands for a new contract. Full-time college support staff include library technologists, disability services, student success coordinators, facilities and trades staff, employees in the registrar and financial aid offices, employment services, food services and student workers.
