Stay Informed: Understanding the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Strike Vote, and Its Impact on You as a Student

Who is involved?

Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU): This union represents college faculty and academic employees across Ontario.

• CAAT-A (Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology – Academic): This division of OPSEU specifically represents Ontario college faculty. Currently, CAAT-A comprises approximately 14,000 full-time and partial-load professors, instructors, counselors, and librarians.

College Employer Council (CEC): The CEC represents Ontario's public colleges in negotiations with faculty and is responsible for bargaining on behalf of the colleges during the collective agreement process.

What is happening?

1. Collective Bargaining Agreement 

A collective bargaining agreement is a contract between an employer (CEC) and a group of employees (CAAT-A), typically represented by a union (OPSEU). This contract outlines key terms like wages, working hours, benefits, and other employment conditions.

The current agreement between CEC and CAAT-A expired on September 30, 2024, but it remains in effect until a new deal is finalized. Negotiations began in July, but a renewed agreement has not yet been reached. For details on the proposals from both sides, visit the respective representatives' websites.

2. Strike Vote

In each bargaining round, faculty members have the opportunity to participate in a strike vote. This vote allows members to decide whether they are willing to strike if necessary.

Important: A strike vote does not automatically result in a strike. However, a strong mandate to strike (50% + 1 vote in favor) with high voting participation strengthens the bargaining team’s position, helping them push back against concessions and advocate for better terms.

The upcoming strike vote will take place from October 15-17.

What can college students do?

When college students face a faculty strike, it can be a stressful and uncertain time. Here are some pieces of guidance to help navigate the situation:

1. Stay Informed: Make sure you’re getting accurate and up-to-date information about the strike. Check official communications from your college, such as emails, website updates, or announcements from administrators. Also follow CSA, student organizations or local news outlets that might be covering the event.

2. Understand the Issues: Try to learn why the faculty are striking. Understanding their concerns can provide context and help you develop an informed opinion on the situation, whether it involves labor conditions, pay, working hours, job security, or other educational policies.

3. Keep Up with Course Work: Continue to keep up with your reading and assignments where possible, unless instructed otherwise, to maintain your academic progress. 

4. Evaluate the Impact on Yourself: Consider how the strike might affect you personally, academically, and financially. Plan ahead for the possible outcomes and express your concerns to administrators if necessary.

5. Prepare for Flexibility: Expect and prepare for changes in the academic calendar, deadlines, or syllabus. Plans might change rapidly, so being adaptable will help manage anxiety and uncertainty.

6. Self-Care: Don’t underestimate the stress a strike can cause. Make sure to take care of your mental and physical health during this time. Engage in activities that reduce stress and stay connected with family and friends for support. Visit the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health Instagram for wellness tips, or reach out to your campus health clinic for additional support and resources.

While we are awaiting the results of the upcoming strike vote, there is currently no cause for panic regarding the possibility of a potential strike. Remember, even if a majority votes in favor of striking, it does not automatically mean that a strike will occur. 

We encourage everyone to stay calm, focus on their studies, and remain informed and engaged as we and those directly involved provide updates on the situation.