Mediator assigned as college full-time support staff strike closes in on two weeks

Picket lines continue to greet students and staff across all of Ontario’s 24 colleges.

Full-time support staff, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, went on strike on September 11th after a new contract could not be reached with the College Employer Council.

There has been some movement this week on a provincial level.

“A ministry-appointed mediator has been assigned to the negotiations between CEC and OPSEU and is ready to work with the parties. The best deals are made at the table, and should the parties return to the table, the mediator is available to support a fair resolution between OPSEU and the CEC. We remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” said Dayna Smockum to 91x today. Smockum is the Director of Communications with the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

Neither the CEC nor OPSEU have made a request for a mediator.

Locally, safety concerns continue to be expressed by both sides. Loyalist College and OPSEU Local 421 have not reached a strike protocol agreement.

Speaking to 91X on the picket line today, OPSEU Local 421 President Tim Prewer said that members only have room to allow one vehicle stopped at a time. A facilities representative from the College visits the team when they are out to review any incidents, such as folks running the line, or misbehaving. Prewer noted that to date, no one from the College’s executive team has come out to the picket line to meet with members. He added that another letter has been sent to the College asking for a meeting on the line, in particular addressing safety concerns. Prewer noted that members would like to be able to have multiple vehicles safely line up off of Wallbridge-Loyalist Road and further along the college roadway.

 

 

Afternoon Update:

The CEC has issued the following statement:

The College Employer Council (CEC) learned through the media that the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) was seeking a government-appointed mediator. Although CEC has received no formal request from OPSEU, CEC has been engaged with the government officials and agreed to meet in mediation on Friday, September 26, 2025.

CEC values the important work the college support staff perform for students and the college system. Their work is critical to the success of colleges. We hope this process will result in a negotiated agreement and put an end to this unnecessary strike.

“Colleges have consistently bargained in good faith and have put forward more than $145 million in improved wages, benefits, and job security, and advised OPSEU of issues it cannot accept. We hope, with the assistance of a government mediator, we will be able to secure a fair deal that balances the needs of employees, students, and the long-term sustainability of the college system,” said Graham Lloyd, CEO of CEC.

“Colleges strive to foster a respectful workplace environment ensuring all employees and members of the community are treated with dignity and respect,” Lloyd continued. “We hope the OPSEU bargaining team will honour those same values at the negotiating table.”

It is essential we continue to work towards strengthening the Ontario public college system and strive to reach a fair agreement that benefits our support staff and all college stakeholders.