Strike looms over start-up at Sault College

Picket lines and service disruptions could greet students when they report to Sault College on Tuesday.

Full-time support staff at Ontario's 24 community colleges could strike if no new contract agreement is reached by Sunday.

The current province-wide contract for 6,500 clerical and office workers, technicians, technologists and maintenance employees expires this Sunday.

Those affected are members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

In a letter to students yesterday, College President Ron Common wrote: “Your classes here at the college will continue. You may find that there are reduced services or hours in some areas. We ask that you please be patient with us as we try to serve you as best we can."

A companion document uses a question-and-answer format to elaborate on possible impacts.

A statement indicating that many student and support services would continue to be provided is followed by a qualification: “However, some services will not be available while others will be reduced. For example, service areas such as the library, athletics and the health centre will have limited services. Also, delays may be experienced in the registrar’s office, financial aid and student counselling.”

Elsewhere, students are advised that “where there is no health or safety risk, labs and shops may remain open for you to access. However, please note that hours for accessing rooms for independent study may be reduced or changed at any time.”

When college support staff authorized strike action in July, OPSEU lead negotiator Rod Bemister said: “Our members simply want the same wage increase that other employees of the colleges received.”

In 2006, academic employees across the college system struck for 18 days over workload and salary levels.

The strike ended when the parties agreed to an arbitration process.

Faculty subsequently received a 15.33 percent increase in salary by September 1, 2008.