Conestoga College has temporarily suspended classes and activities at its Doon Campus due to significant picketing. The college announced that this decision aims to protect the safety of its community and manage anticipated traffic disruptions.
Details of the Picketing at Doon Campus
During the protest, hundreds of support workers from various college campuses in southwestern Ontario gathered at the entrance of the Doon Campus. By noon, numerous picketers were present at the intersection of Homer Watson Boulevard and Conestoga College Boulevard. Vikki Poirier, the president of OPSEU Local 238, explained that the demonstration showcases the importance of support staff who help maintain college operations.
The protest arises amid ongoing negotiations between the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the College Employer Council (CEC). Talks commenced in June but have reached an impasse, prompting this show of solidarity. Over 10,000 support workers have been on strike since September 11, primarily in response to severe job and programming cuts that could lead to approximately 10,000 job losses.
Impact on Students and Classes
Students at Conestoga College have expressed frustration over the sudden cancellation of classes. Communication regarding course changes is expected to come directly from faculty. Approximately 700 full-time support workers at Conestoga have begun job actions as part of the strike, and while students can still enter the campus on foot, many classes remain suspended.
- Frustration among students: Some, like first-year police foundation student Ghazal Ayman, find the cancellations exhausting, especially given the long commute.
- Concerns about missed education: Welding inspection student Grant Thackeray fears that they may have to make up missed class time during reading week or holidays.
Next Steps and Future Negotiations
The chair of the full-time support bargaining team, Christine Kelsey, emphasized the need for colleges to return to the negotiation table. Workers are advocating for job security and fair treatment as this situation continues to evolve.
Overall, the picketing and ongoing strike at Conestoga College reflect broader issues within the college system, as support staff demand fair negotiations and the preservation of jobs. As frustration mounts among students and staff alike, the need for resolution becomes increasingly critical.
