Support staff at Ontario's 24 colleges are in their fifth day of striking. The Ontario Public Sector Employees Union (OPSEU), representing about 10,000 workers, is demanding better job security, wages, and benefits. The striking workers include disability support staff, library technicians, financial aid employees, and IT services personnel.

Negotiations between OPSEU and the College Employer Council (CEC) have been stalled since September 10. The CEC, which acts as the bargaining agent for Ontario's colleges, stated that the only way to move forward is for the union to either drop its demands or proceed to arbitration.

On Monday, the CEC announced that Ontario's colleges have already proposed over $145 million in enhancements. This includes a two percent wage increase and benefits improvements similar to those received by full-time academic staff. Additionally, the CEC has offered a 50 percent increase in recall rights, enhanced severance pay by 50 percent, and greater transparency regarding staffing decisions.

Graham Lloyd, CEO of the CEC, emphasized the need for a sustainable agreement. He stated, "A strike doesn’t make unreasonable demands reasonable or affordable. We’ve offered significant improvements in job security, wages, and benefits, and our door remains open once OPSEU drops the demands we have been telling them for weeks will never be acceptable."

Lloyd also warned that OPSEU's demands could cost more than $400 million, potentially halting college operations. He suggested that if OPSEU is unwilling to compromise, the parties should seek the assistance of a neutral mediator or arbitrator.

OPSEU has raised concerns about the provincial Skills Development Fund (SDF), which allocates $2.5 billion over three years for skilled trades training. The union argues that the SDF undermines the public college system and diverts funds away from traditional college programs. They claim it is part of a government-led initiative to systematically defund Ontario colleges.

In January, a potential strike was averted when academic staff represented by OPSEU and the CEC agreed to mediation-arbitration, which concluded in July with a new three-year collective agreement. This agreement included annual salary increases and a temporary enhanced severance package.

As the strike continues, the situation remains tense, with both sides holding firm on their positions.