Stay up-to-date on the ongoing academic labour relations through the information below and frequently asked questions
Updates
- November 7, 2024
As we committed to you, we will be providing labour relations updates as they are available. We can confirm that negotiations between the College Employer Council (who represents the 24 Ontario Public Colleges) and Ontario Public Service Employees Union OPSEU ( who represents full-time faculty) are continuing, and the two parties have mutually agreed to enter non-binding mediation in early December. Based on strike requirements and timelines, we can share that a strike will not occur in the fall semester. All classes are continuing as scheduled.
We understand that this potential strike situation is concerning for our students and our employees. As we move through this process, we will continue to provide updates to keep you informed. Sault College remains hopeful that both sides will reach an agreement to avoid any work stoppage.
Please take the time to review the frequently asked questions below for additional information and details.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will there be a strike in the fall semester?
No, there will not be a strike in the fall semester.
A strike requires a few conditions with specific timelines to be met. There is no possibility of these requirements and timelines occurring in the fall semester.
- What is required for a strike?
Before a strike can occur, five requirements must be met. Not all requirements have been met at this time.
- A strike requires the union bargaining team having a strike mandate. Which they received on October 18, 2024.
- The parties need to enter/attend conciliation. The parties continue to be in conciliation.
- Conciliation must fail with either party requesting a no-board report. Neither party has requested a no-board report. Not met
- Once a no-board report is issued, 16 calendar days must pass. Not met
- The union must provide the Colleges with 5 days’ notice. Not met
- What did the CEC and CAAT-A bargaining team agree to?
The parties mutually agreed to enter non-binding mediation with experienced mediator, William Kaplan.
- Both parties agreed not to escalate negotiations through a strike or lock-out before or during mediation.
- Mediation will take place December 6-8, 2024
- What is non-binding mediation?
Both parties will submit proposals to the agreed upon neutral mediator.
The mediator will work with the parties to find common ground and come to an agreement.
If the parties do not come to an agreement, the mediator cannot force either party to change their position.
- What is a strike? Is this common in Canada?
A strike happens when employees who are represented by unions refuse to work. This is a legal process which can only occur with proper notice and is governed by labour laws. When workers walk off the job they will form a picket line at the entrance of the employer’s property in a show of solidarity to peacefully put pressure on the employer to negotiate working conditions and wages.
The College will work with the union to ensure the safety of students and staff. Strikes are normally peaceful and non-violent. If there is a strike, we will provide students with information about how to peacefully cross the picket line.
- Is this only happening at Sault College?
The union represents full-time faculty members at all of the 24 Ontario community colleges.