Conestoga College’s Doon Campus has temporarily suspended classes and activities on Tuesday due to significant picketing occurring at the campus, as reported on the college’s website. This decision was made to prioritize the safety of the college community and to manage potential disruptions in traffic in and around the campus.
Numerous support workers from various college campuses in southwestern Ontario gathered to picket at the entrance of Doon Campus. By midday, a considerable number of picketers were seen at the entrance and the intersection of Homer Watson Boulevard and Conestoga College Boulevard.
Vikki Poirier, the president of OPSEU Local 238 representing full-time support staff at Conestoga College, described the morning as chaotic. She emphasized that the demonstration aimed to demonstrate solidarity and highlight the essential role of support staff in the functioning of colleges.
Negotiations between the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the College Employer Council (CEC), representing publicly funded colleges, began in June. In September, more than 10,000 workers initiated a strike in response to anticipated job losses resulting from job and programming cuts.
Support staff represented by OPSEU hold positions in various departments, including disability services, libraries, student services, facilities, trades, co-op programs, the registrar’s office, and financial aid.
Christine Kelsey, the Chair of the full-time support bargaining team, expressed frustration over the colleges’ reluctance to return to the negotiating table after talks stalled. The strike has impacted around 700 full-time support workers at Conestoga College.
Conestoga College assured that affected students would receive direct communication from their faculty regarding any course adjustments. Remote work options are being coordinated for employees, while individuals on foot will be permitted to access the campus.
The sudden class cancellations and strike have caused frustration among some students at Conestoga College. Students like Ghazal Ayman and Grant Thackeray expressed difficulties and concerns about the impact on their education and practical learning experiences.
The ongoing developments at Conestoga College have left students, staff, and the broader community closely monitoring the situation as negotiations continue.