THUNDER BAY – NEWS – With bargaining at an impasse, OPSEU says protecting jobs is non-negotiable while colleges insist they won’t ban contracting out or limit administrators from pitching in. Thunder Bay students and services brace for a prolonged disruption.
Where Talks Stand
Bargaining between Ontario’s public colleges and the union representing 10,000 striking support staff broke off after just three days. Both sides reported movement with the help of a provincial mediator, but talks collapsed over job security—specifically contracting out and limits on administrators performing support-staff duties.
The mediator remains available if both sides choose to return.
The Union’s Position: “Protect Our Work”
The Ontario Public Service Employees’ Union (OPSEU) says members are on strike to secure binding job-security provisions.
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OPSEU has set aside demands for a blanket ban on layoffs and campus closures.
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The union maintains a pathway to settlement must protect existing jobs, not simply “manage job loss,” noting colleges are issuing layoff notices and closing campuses.
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OPSEU contends the colleges have refused job-security provisions that could end the strike.
The Colleges’ Position: “No Ban on Contracting Out”
Graham Lloyd of the College Employer Council—which bargains for Ontario’s 24 public colleges—said there was “substantial movement,” but the parties hit an impasse:
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Colleges say they’ve already agreed to no job losses due to contracting out, but won’t ban contracting out altogether unless the union consents.
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They also reject what they call union-sought “restrictions on collaboration,” arguing this would stop administrators from turning out the lights, fixing their own laptops, or providing financial aid advice when needed.
“The academics wanted that, and we rejected it,” Lloyd said. “We’ve refused it here as well, and we will continue to refuse it.”
In an interview with NetNewsLedger Lloyd says that some of the demands OPSEU is making are completely unacceptable to the Colleges – and are basically unrealistic in the reality of the situation.
What’s on the Table
The colleges say their latest offer includes:
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$155 million in wage increases
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Improved benefits
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Some job-security measures
OPSEU counters that none of the proposals prevents a single job loss, arguing “true job security” means owning the work so positions aren’t eliminated.
What’s at Stake for Students and Campuses
Now in week three, the strike includes full-time support staff whose roles are critical to daily operations:
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Library technologists, trades, co-op coordinators, food services, child-care workers and more keep campuses running and students supported.
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In Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, disruptions to student services, co-op placements, library access, labs, and child-care may intensify if pickets continue and staffing workarounds remain limited.
Financial Pressures Driving the Standoff
Colleges say they are facing:
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Fewer international students
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A continuing tuition freeze
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Constrained provincial funding
Schools have been laying off staff, closing programs, and in some cases shuttering campuses. During Friday’s talks, Georgian College announced plans to close two satellite campuses (Orillia and Muskoka/Bracebridge) and sell the properties as it tackles a widening deficit—an example of the financial headwinds shaping bargaining.
Political Reaction
At Queen’s Park, NDP Leader Marit Stiles called it “deeply concerning that these talks are not going well,” urging the province to invest properly in colleges after “years” of underfunding.
Bianca Giacoboni, press secretary to Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn, said the government remains hopeful the parties will return to reach a fair, student-first deal.
Thunder Bay & NWO Lens: What to Watch
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Service continuity: How are student aid, advising, library access, and childcare being covered at local campuses?
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Co-ops and placements: Are employers delaying or cancelling work terms for fall?
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Academic fallout: If the strike extends, will semester timing or graduation dates be adjusted?
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Local employment: Any new layoff notices or program suspensions affecting regional satellite sites and community partners.
The Path Back to the Table
Both sides signal willingness to resume with the mediator’s help. The core gap remains job security—specifically, how far colleges will go on contracting-out limits and what tasks administrators can perform during disruptions.
For students, staff, and communities across Northwestern Ontario, the urgency is clear: a time-bound return to bargaining that safeguards services and puts learning back on track.
