Back To School: Colleges and Support Staff Reach Tentative Agreement

Ontario’s College Employer Council have reached a tentative agreement with Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) that will put an end to a province-wide strike, and send employees back to work on Tuesday, September 20.

“We are very pleased that we reached a negotiated settlement. We look forward to welcoming all of our valued employees back to the colleges where we can again work together for the success of our students,” said Gerry Barker, Chair of the Colleges’ Bargaining Team.

The Ministry of Labour will hold a ratification vote, to be conducted when terms of the agreement will be released.

Colleges will once again start running at full capacity, and the College Student Alliance (CSA) issued a statement applauding both sides for reaching an agreement.

“Students can now go back to school knowing that their college will be fully operational, and the services essential to them will be accessible,” said Brian Costantini, President of the College Student Alliance.

“The college experience that so many have waited for is finally here.”

The agreement puts an end to the 18-day strike by more than 8,000 community college support staff in Ontario.