Ontario colleges and support staff workers have failed to reach an agreement on a new contract, sending approximately 8,000 members of the Ontario Public Services Employees Union at 24 colleges across Ontario out on strike. The bargaining process broke down by the September 1 deadline.

The colleges made an offer over the three-year contract term where support staff workers would receive a 1.5 per cent lump sum in the first year, 1.5 per cent salary increase in the second year and 1.75 per cent in the third year — a total of 3.25 per cent over the contract period. Marg Rae, President of the Local 109 Union for Fanshawe College, said, "The issue to us this round is not about the money, it's about the inability of their team to actually bargain with us."

According to Rae, the bargaining points have included: issues with the arbitration process, compressed work weeks, tuition paid for dependents of support staff, flex work weeks and benefit coverage for retirees. Though these issues were all discussed at the bargaining table, both sides were unable to agree on any settlements.

As of September 6, there were no plans for further bargaining. "When we left the table, their side said that they won't be calling us, but if we want their offer to give them a call. We said, 'When you're ready to bargain with us, we'll be ready,'" said Rae. "We just have to get back to the table and start bargaining and get this done so we can get back and get the students what they need, which is support," she added, hopeful that both sides could come to a resolution.

One of the main concerns of the union is securing better jobs, not only for themselves but for current students who might someday work as support staff at the colleges. "I think there are 8,000 full-time and 10,000 part-time (staff in Ontario). At Fanshawe, with what Howard (Rundle) stated (in the August 29 issue of the Interrobang), they have been hiring more positions in certain areas, but other areas they're not," said Rae. "Our caretakers, when people retire, they're not being advertised in our unit, they're being contracted out to Martin (Building Maintenance)."

Fanshawe College has also contracted workers from Martin Building Maintenance to work during the strike, performing duties normally covered by support staff. As a result of this, the Faculty Union Local 110 President Darryl Bedford sent out an e-mail requesting that all staff and students boycott Chartwells eateries on campus because they are owned by the Compass Group, the same company that owns Martin Building Maintenance. "We wanted to send a message to the Compass Group that we did not support the use of replacement workers … we saw it as a way that we could support our colleagues who are out there on the picket line," said Bedford.

Both the college and the union ask that students be patient, respectful and allow for extra time when coming to campus, as some services will be running slower than normal. "Safety is everybody's top priority here, so we want to make sure that everything goes without incident," said Leanne Perreault, Manager of Corporate Communications at Fanshawe, pointing out that there is a guide on how to safely cross a picket line on the Fanshawe College website.

Rae said she hopes students will be courteous when crossing the picket line and keep everyone's safety in mind. "We're not here to hold them up for any more than a couple minutes just to hand out some information. We want safety, not only for the students, but for all the people who are on the line," said Rae.

Picket Captain Alex Ceslauskas advised people driving across the picket line to drive slowly and cautiously. "So far, our safety is carefully managed. We haven't had many incidents today (September 6)." He added that some drivers have pushed through the line rather quickly for picketers' liking, so make sure you take your time when crossing the picket line.

In regards to students who have been threatening the support staff through media such as Facebook and Twitter, Perreault reminded students that it is vital to treat each other with respect. "The people who are on strike are really important people to the success of the college — we all are. Everybody contributes to student learning and student success."

Fanshawe Student Union President Veronica Barahona advised students to remain calm throughout the strike. "I know it's rough, it's the first couple days of school, but it's important. A settlement will come. I believe in our support staff and I believe in our administration." The FSU is always available to help any students who have concerns or issues. If students have any course-specific questions, like potential changes to labs, Perreault suggested they speak directly with their instructors or teachers.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/fanshawesupportstrike and be sure to check your myfanshawe account for strike updates.