More than 10,000 full-time support workers at Ontario’s 24 public colleges have gone on strike starting Thursday. These workers are fighting for better job security, proper funding, and stronger support for students. The strike is expected to cause delays and interruptions in important services at many colleges across the province.
The support workers are represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). This group includes librarian technicians, registrar employees, technology support staff, and early childhood educators. They have been negotiating with the College Employer Council (CEC) since June to create a new contract. The previous contract ended on September 1.
According to OPSEU, the negotiation talks failed because the CEC did not respond after Wednesday evening, forcing them to walk away from the table. The union says that job security and proper funding are their biggest concerns. Many staff members fear layoffs, and the union estimates that around 10,000 jobs may be lost because of budget cuts. It also says that over 650 programs have already been canceled across the province.
“If they think they can neglect their responsibility to bargain, it’s time we remind them there is power in the union,” the union said in a statement. “This is not just a fight for a contract — it’s about the future of student support. We’re fighting because we know our students need us.”
More than 55 community organizations have joined the Ontario Federation of Labour to support the striking workers. Many people are standing with the workers because they believe that students need good services, and that staff deserve fair pay and job protection.
However, because of the strike, important services at colleges will stop for some time. From cities like Sault Ste. Marie to Kitchener and Oshawa, students will find essential services unavailable during the strike. Picket lines will be set up at various colleges to show the workers’ protest.
The CEC, representing the colleges, says that the union’s demands are not practical during tough financial times. According to the council, college enrollment and income have dropped by up to 50%, making it harder to fund wages and services.
The CEC also says that a complete ban on campus closures, mergers, or staff cuts could push some colleges to bankruptcy. Its CEO, Graham Lloyd, said, “A complete ban on campus closures, college mergers, and staff reductions could force colleges into bankruptcy.”
Despite the difficulties, the CEC has offered improvements such as:
A 2% wage increase each year of the contract
A 75% increase in on-call premiums
Better vision and hearing benefits
Improved job security related to new technology
A 67% to 75% increase in shift premiums
A 50% increase in severance pay for employees laid off because of the financial crisis
The council has urged OPSEU to agree to arbitration so that students’ learning is not disrupted.
The strike is not only affecting college staff and students but also parents who rely on childcare services at the colleges. At George Brown College in Toronto, 14 daycare centres have closed due to the strike. Parents are struggling to find alternative childcare.
Dave Rutt, a parent whose daughter attends one of these centres, says he’s worried about how he and other families will manage. “If I was working, I don’t know what we’d be doing, to be honest. I would probably have to take a lot of time off work,” he said.
Parents are now helping one another by sharing childcare responsibilities while also supporting staff on the picket lines. “Everybody’s just kind of feeling a little bit conflicted,” said Rutt. “There’s a sense of support for the educators who care for our kids, but also stress about finding childcare at the last minute.”
This strike is about more than money — it’s about making sure students have the support they need to succeed. College support workers play a crucial role in helping students with learning resources, registration, technology, and childcare. Without them, many students may face challenges in their studies.
The union and supporters believe that better funding and job security will help retain staff and ensure that students continue to receive the help they need.
On the other hand, the colleges argue that if financial support is not increased, they may have to cut programs or staff, which could harm students in the long run.
The strike is expected to continue until both sides can reach an agreement or accept arbitration. In the meantime, students and families are dealing with the impact, and many are showing their support for the workers’ cause.
This situation shows how important college workers are and why fair contracts and adequate funding are necessary for the education system to function smoothly.
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