Support staff at Georgian College – and indeed at all community colleges across Ontario – are on strike.
The main sticking point in negotiations appears to be job security.
Workers walked off the job just after midnight after talks broke off between OPSEU – the union representing the support staff – and the colleges bargaining unit.
OPSEU is particularly opposed to concessions which they say would turn more full-time jobs into part time positions.
Striking I-T staffer Randy Baker says the union is concerned about a provision which would give the colleges the option of laying off support staff in the event of a teachers strike.
Baker says those visiting Georgian College here in Orillia will be permitted to enter the premises without much difficulty – but those attending classes may run into some problems.
Just to name a few of the departments that will be effected by the strike – libraries, computer labs, financial aid, and co-op placements.
