Fleming College announced they will begin a full strike this Friday unless management agrees to return to bargaining or accept final interest arbitration.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) represents roughly 16,000 faculty staff at 24 Ontario colleges. They notified the College Employer Council of the deadline, gave an open letter to college presidents and asked them to agree to the union’s proposal.
"Our members are fighting for the best education for students," said JP Hornick, OPSEU bargaining team chair. "We haven't made any unreasonable demands, and everything we have asked for is easily achievable."
Union members rejected a final offer from the council last month.
If a strike occurs, all in-person, hybrid, and online classes at all Fleming College campuses will be suspended. This includes full-time and part-time classes, on-campus continuing education classes, dual credit classes and apprenticeships. Fleming has yet to address student placements.
All Fleming campuses remain open during the possible strike as College staff will be crossing picket lines.