Ontario college teachers on strike

Classes have been cancelled for more than 500,000 students after faculty at 24 Ontario colleges went on strike late Sunday night.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union, which represents 12,000 college professors, instructors, counsellors and librarians, and the group representing management failed to reach an agreement after the union presented its final offer to the College Employer Council in a bid to avert a strike before the 12:01 a.m. deadline.

“On Oct. 14, we presented council with a streamlined offer that represented what faculty consider to be the bare minimum we need to ensure quality education for students and treat contract faculty fairly,” said J.P. Hornick, chair of the union bargaining team in a statement.

“We carefully crafted a proposal that responded to council’s concerns about costs in a fair and reasonable way.”

“Unfortunately, council refused to agree on even the no-cost items, such as longer contracts for contract faculty and academic freedom,” Hornick said.

Employer council spokesperson Sonia Del Missier said the strike is completely unnecessary. She said management was offering terms that were as good or better than recent settlements with teachers, college support staff, hospital professionals, and Ontario public servants.

Students are advised to check their college’s website to find out how they are affected.

George Brown College, Seneca College and Humber College have all announced that all full-time classes will be cancelled until the strike is over.

Meanwhile, campuses and several college student services will remain open.