OPSEU College Faculty and CEC bargaining updates

Updated – 11/06/2024

OPSEU College Faculty and CEC moving to non-binding mediation period

The OPSEU College Faculty and the College Employer Council (CEC) have wrapped up their conciliation period and are moving on to non-binding mediation with mediator William Kaplan.

After a few rounds of discussions — Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 28 and Nov. 5 — both sides have shared some details about what’s happened so far and what’s next on the agenda.

OPSEU released a timeline showing that the CEC responded to the union’s offer of settlement made on Oct. 18, and they tabled all but one of the CEC’s original concessions. Now, the focus is on mediation, with meetings scheduled for Dec. 6 to 8. Even though the CEC mentioned that both parties agreed not to escalate a labour action or ask for a no-board report, OPSEU pointed out that they still have that option if necessary.

The CEC said in a press release they are hopeful a deal will be reached soon, providing stability for students and employees. OPSEU is pushing to tackle issues around wages, workloads and job security across faculty.

IGNITE is looking forward to these developments and hopes for a quick agreement so students won’t be affected by any potential strike. Students need both parties to come to an agreement.

We’ll continue to keep you updated!

Remember to bookmark this article, as we will update it as more information becomes available.

Ontario College Faculty vote 79 per cent in favour of strike mandate – Oct. 18, 2024

After a four-day voting period, the Ontario College Faculty voted “yes” with a 79 per cent majority to authorize a strike mandate if a contract agreement is not reached between the union and the College Employer Council (CEC).

On the afternoon of Oct. 18, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), which conducted the strike mandate vote, announced the largest college faculty strike mandate in a generation. A total of 11,848 members — approximately 76 per cent — voted.

Keep in mind that the authorized strike mandate doesn’t mean faculty will immediately go on strike. Instead, it signals to the CEC that members support the demands put forth by the union.

It’s important not to worry; the authorization of a strike mandate doesn’t have any immediate impact on students. An agreement between the two parties can still be reached and a strike can be avoided.

As an organization run by students for students, IGNITE is hopeful an agreement will be reached and students won’t be affected by any means.

In a statement released on Oct. 18, Humber Polytechnic explained that if a strike occurs:

Individuals on strike include all full-time and partial-load faculty at all 24 Ontario Colleges and Polytechnics. This includes full-time librarians and counsellors.
Humber courses involving striking employees would be cancelled.
Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber are committed to student success and will ensure that all students have the opportunity to achieve their learning goals in a timely manner. To date, no Ontario college student has ever lost a year because of a strike.
Humber will make every effort to provide services as long as possible during the strike.
The Child Development Centre would remain open.
Humber’s North, Lakeshore and Downtown (IGS) campuses and University of Guelph-Humber building would remain open.
Students who have questions about their program and/or field placement are asked to contact their Faculty representative and/or Placement Coordinator.

The University of Guelph-Humber also has faculty who are represented by OPSEU. In an email sent to students on Oct. 21, the UofGH explained:

Individuals on strike include all full-time and partial-load faculty at all 24 Ontario Colleges and Polytechnics. This includes some Guelph-Humber instructors as well as full-time librarians.
Guelph-Humber courses involving striking employees would be paused for the duration of the strike.
Guelph-Humber and Humber are committed to student success and will ensure that all students can achieve their learning goals in a timely manner.
Guelph-Humber will make every effort to provide services as long as possible during the strike.
Humber’s North campus and the University of Guelph-Humber building would remain open.
Students who have questions about their program and/or field placement are asked to contact their Program Chair and or their Placement Coordinator.
Instructors are a valued and vital part of the Guelph-Humber community. We look forward to a bargaining resolution.

IGNITE will provide any updates as they become available.

Resources

External of Humber North parking lot building. — *Picture by Humber Polytechnic — Humber’s Digital Asset Management.*

It is important that students follow reliable websites to stay informed about the progress of the bargaining negotiations.

Make sure to regularly check the news section of the OPSEU College Faculty and College Employer Council for updates from both parties.

Humber Polytechnic released a statement on Oct. 17 regarding the ongoing bargaining process. Monitor the Humber updates website for statements from Humber.

The College Student Alliance, the organization representing seven student associations across Ontario — including IGNITE — is also closely following the negotiations.

You should also bookmark this news article, as IGNITE will update it as more information becomes available.

This is a developing story.

Feature image courtesy of Humber Polytechnic — Humber’s Digital Asset Management.

Check out our previous article for more information on the days before the strike mandate vote.