What is a Final Offer Vote?

You may have been hearing the term "Final Offer Vote" thrown around lately on social media.

Yesterday, the negotiating body for the College Employer, the College Employment Council (CEC), moved to force a contract ratification vote ("Final Offer Vote").

A Forced Vote is a single-use method that the CEC can use to bypass negotiations and force Faculty membership to vote either to approve or reject the CEC's last proposed offer, which remains unchanged since November 23, 2021.

Should the majority of faculty vote in favour, the ongoing job action ("Work-to-Rule") would end, and a new collective agreement would be installed. However, if the majority of faculty vote against the old offer, then Work-to-Rule would continue as planned.

The Ontario Labour Relations Board has not yet set a date for the vote, but it will most likely take place in February.

As always, CSA will continue discussions with the CEC and OPSEU college faculty to do what is in the best interest of students and resolve bargaining.