Talks resume in college support workers strike
Posted September 18, 2011 9:50 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – Negotiations have resumed in the ongoing strike by college support workers, after more than two weeks away from the bargaining table.
Talks have been on hold since the strike began on Sept. 1, and support workers represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) say they are eager to get back to work.
OPSEU Local 416 President Jan Strickland says the union will push forward until they reach an agreement that is fair to the support staff.
“We certainly have to keep going until we make sure that our members are taken care of,” Strickland said. “That’s what we’re here for, we’re here to protect the member’s rights.”
Strickland says she does hopes both sides can find some common ground and reach a new agreement either over the weekend or in the next several days.
“If they don’t settle this weekend, who knows how long this could go on,” Strickland said.
During the strike the colleges have vowed to stay open, operating by using management and non-unionized part-time staff to fill the positions.
There have already been several delays reported at some of the 24 community colleges across the province.
Approximately 8,000 workers represented by the OPSEU, including administrators, IT staff, librarians and cleaners are all of the job right now.
