**Negotiations Between Ontario Colleges and Support Staff End** Talks between Ontario’s colleges and the union representing 10,000 striking support staff have ended after just three days. The union, the Ontario Public Service Employees’ Union (OPSEU), continues to emphasize job security as its primary demand. Although OPSEU has temporarily set aside its request for a ban on layoffs and campus closures, it is still advocating for either a halt to contracting out jobs or for administrators to assist with certain duties. The colleges have stated they cannot agree to either of these conditions. In a statement, OPSEU reiterated, "We have repeatedly made it clear that our members are on strike to protect our work — a pathway to settlement must include provisions to protect existing jobs, not just manage job loss." This comes as many colleges are issuing layoff notices and closing campuses. Graham Lloyd, head of the College Employer Council, noted that there was "substantial movement" during the negotiations, which resumed with the help of a provincial mediator. However, discussions reached a standstill over the union's demands. Lloyd explained that while the colleges have agreed to prevent job losses due to contracting out, they will not impose a ban on contracted work without union approval. He also expressed concerns about the union's request for restrictions on collaboration, stating that such limitations would hinder administrators from performing basic tasks, such as turning off lights or assisting students with financial aid. "The academics wanted that, and we rejected it," Lloyd said. "We’ve refused it here as well, and we will continue to refuse it." OPSEU has accused the colleges of rejecting job security provisions that could potentially resolve the strike. The provincial mediator remains available should both parties choose to continue negotiations. Bianca Giacoboni, press secretary to Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn, expressed hope that all parties would return to the table to reach a fair agreement that prioritizes students. The strike, now in its third week, involves full-time college support staff in various roles, including library technologists, tradespeople, co-op placement coordinators, food service workers, and childcare workers. The College Employer Council has proposed a package that includes $155 million in wage increases, enhanced benefits, and some job security measures. However, colleges are facing challenges such as a decline in international student enrollment, a tuition freeze, and limited provincial funding, leading to staff layoffs and program closures. On Friday, Georgian College in Barrie announced the closure of two satellite campuses due to a growing deficit and plans to sell properties in Orillia and Muskoka/Bracebridge. In an email, OPSEU stated, "None of the colleges’ proposals have the effect of preventing the loss of a single job. True job security means owning our work and ensuring jobs are not eliminated, not creating new pathways for layoffs or providing extended notice." At Queen’s Park, NDP Leader Marit Stiles expressed concern over the stalled negotiations, stating, "What we really need is for the premier and this provincial government to start investing properly in our colleges... This government has been letting post-secondary down for years."