- What do terms mean, like a strike, collective agreement, mediation, conciliation, etc.?
Find out in our list of common terms!
CAAT-FTSS: College of Applied Art and Technology – Full-Time Support Staff (includes clerks, assistants, analysts, etc.). This is also known as CAAT-S FT by OPSEU, however they both refer to the same group.
Arbitration: A person or panel listens to both sides in the negotiation and issues a decision which both parties must follow.
Bad Faith: When a party in a negotiation does not bargain with the intention of coming to an agreement.
Bargaining Agent: A union that represents employees in the collective bargaining process (in this case, it is OPSEU).
Bargaining Unit: The members represented in the bargaining process (CAAT-FTSS members).
Collective Agreement: A contract between an employer and union that outlines the employees' terms and conditions of their employment.
Conciliation: A process that aids in resolving a labour dispute and is required before a legal strike or lock-out.
Good Faith: A concept that requires both parties to bargain with the intention of reaching an agreement.
Last Offer Vote: A vote on an offer of settlement provided directly by the employer to the bargaining unit without the union's support. The Minister of Labour must direct the vote at the employer's request and may only be done once during a round of collective bargaining.
No-board Report: A no-board report recognizes that the parties are at an impasse and that a conciliator could not help. 16 days after a no-board report is issued, the previous collective agreement is no longer binding. Should the Union get a strike mandate, they will be in a legal strike position 17 days after a no-board report is issued. For example, if the date on the notice was October 1, the employees may legally strike, and the employer may legally lock out on October 18.
- What is a strike?
Strikes are peaceful protests by employees seeking better working conditions or other changes to their collective agreement. The objective of a strike is to put pressure on the employer in collective bargaining. A strike is often labour groups’ most powerful and useful tool. They can be a day or for an extended period of time.
While strikes in other parts of the world may not be peaceful and cause unrest, previous strikes at Ontario Colleges have been peaceful.
It is safe to cross the picket line to come onto college property if a strike occurs. People entering may be stopped by staff as they try to explain the reasons they are striking.
- What is a lock-out?
A lock-out is when an employer (the Colleges) locks the doors of the business or prevents the employees from working, causing a work stoppage.
- What is work-to-rule?
Work-to-rule means employees perform their job slowly or follow the law as closely as possible to stall productivity.
- What is the first possible day for labour action?
The first possible day for a strike, lock-out, or other labour action is September 11, 2025.
- How likely is a lock-out?
The CEC has not stated they would proceed with locking out support staff. It is not expected this would happen as the CEC has said in the past they would never lock-out faculty, and we’d expect them to take a similar approach with support staff.
- What has to happen for a strike to occur?
Negotiations must have failed, and the Minister of Labour must issue a No-Board report.
The union must have a strike vote.
The results of the vote must be over 50% in favour of a strike.
The union must provide at least 5 days’ notice before they may commence a strike, which was provided on September 1, 2025, anticipating strike action to begin on September 11, 2025 if a deal is not reached.
- How long could a strike last?
There is not a set time limit for a strike. They usually continue until a new Collective Agreement is negotiated. No college student has ever lost their academic term or year due to a strike previously.
- If a strike happens, do I still have to attend class?
Classes are expected to continue if a strike occurs. Please monitor your student email and Conestoga College’s website for updates.
- If a strike happens, what should I do?
Leave extra time for travelling to the college as picket lines will be set up at campus entrances and limit traffic flow.
Consider arriving early to avoid picket lines.
If taking transit and required to be on campus, particularly the Doon campus, be aware that transit buses will be dropping off students outside of the campus to respect the picket lines. Bus stops off-campus should be unaffected.
Continue to access eConestoga for your courses, it will still be available for student access.
Be respectful of the picketers; they have the right to strike.
- What do the CEC and OPSEU disagree on?
The outstanding issues include changes related to job security, vacation time, health benefits, and more. To learn more about the outstanding issues, we encourage you to visit CEC and OPSEU’s websites.
- What should I expect if I cross a picket line?
Expect delays to access campus. Striking members may speak to you briefly about why they are striking. Be respectful, do not force your way through a picket line, and remember this is their legal right.
- Can I work more hours off-campus as an international student?
A strike is not considered a scheduled/regulated break, so your work eligibility will not change. If you are currently in a full-time semester, you can only work 24 hours per week during the strike (assuming you hold a valid study permit that allows you to work off-campus).
- Will a strike impact my International Student visa?
The strike will not impact your visa. You should continue to pursue your studies using the resources you have available.
- What is the role of the government in the bargaining process?
Government representatives are not directly part of the bargaining process. Bargaining is between the College Employer Council and OPSEU (CAAT-A member’s union). The government can provide a mediator to attempt to reach an agreement. In extraordinary circumstances, the government has previously introduced legislation to end a strike.
- Where can I find more information?
Conestoga College: http://www.conestogac.on.ca
OPSEU CAAT-S FT: https://opseu.org/caatsftbargaining/
College Employer Council (CEC): https://www.collegeemployercouncil.ca/en