Faculty strike deadline creates uncertainty for Conestoga College

The union representing Ontario's college faculties says it could begin some form of a strike next Thursday, which could potentially snarl classes at Conestoga College.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) will be in a legal strike position as of Saturday but has to give five days' notice before embarking on a strike. Conestoga College says it has received the notice from the union on Monday.

In a statement online, the college says it plans to continue all classes and services as normal at this time.

"In the event of a strike, further information regarding changes to college operations will be provided to students and employees and posted on the college website," the statement said in part.

There are several types of strikes, including a work-to-rule strike where employees do no more than the minimum contract obligations. The union could also choose a rotating strike, a partial walk-out or a full walk-out.

OPSEU asking for wage increases, more self-directed time

The union says it has been in meetings with the College Employer Council (CEC), the bargaining agent for Ontario's public colleges. If they don't come to an agreement, the union may choose to go on strike starting Thursday.

Graham Lloyd, CEO of the council, says Ontario's 24 public colleges cannot afford to meet the union's demands, which includes wage increases and giving workers five weeks of self-directed time, in addition to their existing nine weeks of vacation.

He says the demands would increase annual college costs by $1 billion.

In a statement on Friday, the CEC called on OPSEU to have more "realistic demands so that we can get a deal and avoid an unnecessary strike."

In an FAQ posted online, the CEC noted that Ontario's public colleges have never lost a semester to a strike.