Picket lines to continue as both sides head back to table with mediator.
Both sides are back at the table with a mediator today as the full-time support staff strike continues.
The news came earlier this week as a signal that progress could be made, as the labour action by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) reached the two week point.
More than 10,000 staff at the 24 public colleges across Ontario have been on strike since Sept. 11, after bargaining between OPSEU and the College Employer Council (CEC) broke down.
Nank Chatterpaul, president of OPSEU Local 557 confirmed that OPSEU requested a mediator to help move bargaining forward.
“So, what has happened is the union has asked for a mediator to come in, so the CEC college employer council now has agreed, and they are starting meetings tomorrow. So that’s a sign of some kind of movement. So, there’ll be a number of other it won’t happen in one day. There’ll be a number of other meetings, but they start tomorrow, which is a good sign,” he said. “It also gives our members a little bit of hope now that there’s movement, and it takes the mood is up, now.”
While the CEC had previously refused to return unless demands were met, mediation ensures they cannot completely refuse as Chatterpaul says the government appointed the mediator.
The CEC initially wanted binding arbitration, which would have forced a decision.
Chatterpaul said mediation is preferred because it allows both sides to present their positions and work toward an agreement.
OPSEU says it is fighting for a contract that will:
- Protect staff roles and student services, ensuring essential work is not outsourced, replaced by automation, or affected by campus closures and privatization.
- Secure job stability and prevent further layoffs and program cuts.
- Ensure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions so staff can continue supporting students and the college community reliably.
The union highlights ongoing challenges, including consecutive years of government funding cuts, the closure and privatization of campuses, $2.5-billion in redirected public funds, over 10,000 layoffs across Ontario, and 650 programs canceled in the past six months.
At George Brown College, 105 staff were laid off, while management continues performing support staff work.
While the news of mediation is a good sign, Chatterpaul wants students to know that the strike will continue until a deal is reached.
“But we are still proceeding with all of our rallies and all of our picket lines and something else. We’re actually trying to boost that as well, to show that while you’re at the table, we’re still on strike and we’re still picketing.”
