The union representing over 10,000 full-time college support staff at Ontario’s 24 public colleges has announced the ratification of a new three-year contract. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union reported that more than 75 percent of members participated in the vote, with 89 percent in favor of the new deal.
After a nearly five-week strike, the union and the College Employer Council reached a tentative agreement last month. During the strike, some campuses, including Mohawk College in Hamilton and St. Clair College in Windsor, had to cancel in-person classes and activities due to staff rallies.
The new collective agreement contains enhancements to on-call rates and shift premiums, wage increases, improved severance packages, and advancements in job security, among other benefits. The College Employer Council expressed gratitude for the ratification of the agreement and the return of support staff to work.