Strike still looming at Ontario’s 24 community colleges

A potential strike by support workers at Confederation College continues to loom over the campus, as students are set to return to class in about two weeks. 

Support staff across the province filed a five-day notice to strike by Sept. 1 if an agreement is not reached. On Friday, an offer was presented to the union, including wage increases for all employees. 

OPSEU Local 731 support staff in Thunder Bay has 230 workers who are responsible for registration, running several labs and many other services within the college.  

Staff members are looking for wage increases, pensions, and job security. 

If an agreement is not reached, the college would be open, but student schedules may be disrupted. 

Confederation College President Jim Madder said he's confident a deal will be reached. But if workers do hit the picket lines, he said the students’ education will not be affected.

Across Ontario there are more than 8,000 support staff workers in 24 colleges.

Bargaining is expected to continue early next week, in advance of the Sept. 1 strike date.