College Part-Time Support Staff Bargaining Update: Conciliation begins May 1st

The bargaining table looks different for every sector, but one thing is true across the board for workers: our bosses never want to give us more than what they have to. Nothing is freely given, and nothing changes without a collective push – we have to take our own path, and we do it through our union. In the current crisis facing the college system, that collective solidarity is crucial.

If you’re ready to help us push, join our mobilizing committee! You don’t need any experience to get involved, just the desire for better: for yourself, and for your colleagues. Everyone is welcome – reach out to [email protected] to join!

We’re nearly a month out from the last classes of the winter term, so here are some important updates on the status of negotiations and what lies ahead.

Conciliation begins May 1^st

The parties have secured their first day of conciliation – May 1st, 2025 – with a conciliation officer appointed by the Ministry of Labour.

At any point during negotiations, the union or employer may ask the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) to appoint a Conciliation Officer under Ontario’s Colleges Collective Bargaining Act (CCBA). This process is otherwise known as conciliation, a common occurrence during collective bargaining.

A Conciliation Officer is an impartial third party brought in to help the parties find mutually agreeable solutions to outstanding issues and reach an agreement. If the parties have not reached a settlement through negotiation, then conciliation is a required step. Conciliation can last one day or much longer, depending on the progress or lack of progress made.

You can review bargaining timelines under the CCBA and a glossary of terms here.

Workers know we’re worth more: province-wide tour

Over the course of January and February, your CAAT-S PT Bargaining Team and Divisional Executive embarked on a province-wide tour to connect with members directly on the ground.

After visiting 16 colleges in all 7 regions, we’ve heard your support for key, shared demands still on the table – including better wages, and paid sick days – and the action you’re willing to take to get the deal we deserve.

What’s next for CAAT-S PT?

Further bargaining updates will follow our first day of conciliation – May 1^st – but we’re staying busy in the interim. More opportunities for members to plug in are in the works, including a Student Town Hall, so keep a look out for the invite once details are confirmed.

There’s no substitute for getting organized – it’s the winning formula, time and time again, and it’s how we’ll set a new standard for part-time support staff across Ontario.

In solidarity,