Happy Labour Day! This one feels extra meaningful, because today we break the news that your bargaining team has
filed for a strike vote.For over 19 months, Part-Time Support Staff have been forced to work under an expired collective agreement by an employer that is
refusing to bargain.When we say “
no” to that
disrespect, we have the opportunity to send a powerful message and fight for something better.
Today, we start organizing to take our power back.The strike vote will be ordered by the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB). Once an official date range for the strike vote is in hand, we will communicate it widely out to members.
In the interim, we are ready to organize on all 24 campuses across Ontario.We’re not alone in this fight. This Labour Day is one for the books – because not only are we filing for a strike vote, but today our full-time support staff colleagues have officially set their strike deadline as September 11th, 2025 at 12:01am.
Where are we at in negotiations?
The employer’s last offer continues to discredit
top-line priorities for our members – including paid sick days and cancelled shift pay for all workers, and bare minimum demands like job descriptions and a livable wage increase.In May 2025, negotiations stalled out after we received a one-paragraph response, rather than a proposal response, from the employer after a full day of
conciliation.The employer escalated by filing a “no board” report, which would start the countdown towards possible escalation on the employer’s side – including imposing terms and conditions which could
unilaterally change our working conditions, including changing our wages and hours of work.In June 2025, the parties agreed to sign Memorandum of Agreement to protect our working conditions from such an escalation until we could schedule and conclude mediation dates with the employer.
But at this juncture, the employer has refused 23 out of 25 dates the union has offered – refusing to explore options until December 2025. What can part-time support workers do during a full-time support strike?
During a full-time support strike, you are required to perform your regular work duties.You may be asked to work additional hours outside of your contract or, in some cases, offered temporary full-time support work contracts. These hours may be used by the employer to cover full-time support work, weakening their strike.
The stronger a strike, the shorter it is and the better the outcome. It is in everyone’s interest to exercise caution in avoiding “crossing the picket line” where they can.You can refuse additional hours on the grounds of scheduling conflicts, other jobs you hold, childcare requirements, your studies, and/or accommodation needs.
Regular part-time workers are additionally protected under Article 9 of our collective agreement, requiring two (2) weeks notice of any scheduling changes and cannot work more than five (5) consecutive days.
Does a strike vote mean we’re going on strike?
A strike is the most powerful tool available to workers to leverage collective power and win changes in our workplace. Typically, if we get a majority “yes” strike vote, once a “no board” report is issued a sixteen (16) day countdown will commence after which labour action
could commence – but does not automatically mean we’re going on strike, until five (5) days notice is given by the union.At this moment, the union and employer remain under the terms of the non-escalation agreement signed in June 2025 until the parties conclude mediation with a third-party tasked with moving negotiations forward.
How much is strike pay?
If we decide to take strike action, the employer will cease paying workers who are engaging in the strike action.OPSEU/SEFPO’s strike pay is
$450/week for the first 3 weeks then
$550/week in the fourth week and beyond (
dependents paid at $125/week each).To receive the maximum strike pay, individuals must complete 20 hours of picket duties.Strike pay is administered via Direct Deposit, which is why it’s important to update your information on the
OPSEU/SEFPO members portal. Individuals who do not have direct deposit set up, they will be paid via cheque.We need
every single one of us involved in talking to our co-workers in the coming weeks as we gear up to win a strong “yes” strike vote. Get ready for a fall semester unlike any other – we’re ready to make labour history!In solidarity,
Your College Support Part-Time Bargaining Team:Sara McArthur, L241, Mohawk College, Chair (she/her)
Doreen Follett, L416, Algonquin College (she/her)
Torsten Hamelin, L557, George Brown College (he/him)
Aliza Kassam, L557, George Brown College (she/her)
Paula Naylor, L612, Sault College (she/her)
Natalie Williams, L245, Sheridan College (she/her)
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@CollegeSupportPTYou can reach out with any questions, or get involved in your email to
[email protected].
