The union representing Ontario’s college faculty, including Loyalist’s, will not suspend the strike as it waits for a forced vote.
The College Employer’s Council has asked that faculty members vote on the latest offer it made to the union, which was shot down on Monday. The Ontario Labour Relations Board has scheduled the vote to be held between November 14th and the 16th.
This comes as the Ontario college strike enters its fourth week. Loyalist President and CEO Ann Marie Vaughan says the union was asked to suspend the strike so students can resume the fall semester.
Vaughan says colleges now want faculty members to vote on the latest offer, which includes better access to full-time jobs, increased pay, academic freedom, and a task force to address concerns about precarious employment.
She says she doesn’t know how long the strike will continue, but Loyalist will make sure students complete their programs, even if it means longer semesters.
Classes at the Bancroft Campus of Loyalist College have been suspended since the strike started on October 16th. Community Employment Services has stayed open. Click here to find out more.