Negotiations continue as Ontario college work stoppage nears
CTV
Even though it's their first week back at school after the holiday break, college students in Ontario might not be able to attend class soon, as their professors and instructors inch closer to a work stoppage.
Even though it's their first week back at school after the holiday break, college students in Ontario might not be able to attend class soon, as their professors and instructors inch closer to a work stoppage.
Last week, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) issued a five-day strike notice to the College Employer Council (CEC).
According to the CEC - which represents the 24 public colleges in the province - 450,000 students would be impacted by a strike.
OPSEU represents roughly 15,000 full-time and part-time professors and instructors at the colleges. One of the issues being discussed is seeking more permanent work for those working part time.
According to Christina Decarie, the president of OPSEU Local 417 representing St. Lawrence College, the number of part-time professors has increased significantly in the past two decades.
"When I started at the college 21 years ago, about 25 per cent of the professors were contract professors. And now, 21 years later, about 75 per cent of the professors are contract professors," Decarie tells CTV News Ottawa.
Decarie says the union's ultimate goal is to make the learning environment better for the students.
