NEWS RELEASE
NORTHERN COLLEGE
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OPSEU CAAT Academic has rejected the colleges’ final offer and started a strike across all 24 Ontario colleges, including Northern College. The colleges’ final offer is responsive to what the colleges heard at the bargaining table and fair to college faculty.
The colleges cannot accept the union’s demands that would ultimately add more than $250 million in costs, eliminate thousands of contract faculty jobs, and jeopardize the quality of college programs. Full details on the components at the heart of this labour dispute can be found on the College Employer Council’s website.
“No one wants a strike, but unfortunately the parties at the bargaining table remain far apart with two very different visions for Ontario’s college system,” said Dr. Audrey Penner, acting president of Northern College.
“Northern College values the positive relationships we have with our students and employees, as we all share a strong commitment to student success, and while a strike may present challenges, every effort will be made to assist students with their academic success.”
Classes for all academic programming at our Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Haileybury, and Moosonee campuses have been suspended for the duration of the strike. Many student services will remain available on campus. We encourage students to continue with their studies, complete all assignments, and work ahead as much as possible.
Northern College is doing everything possible to ensure that each student will have the opportunity to complete the year and that there are minimal disruptions. It is important to note that no Ontario college student has ever lost a year because of a strike.
Students should talk to the dean or associate dean of their programs if they have questions regarding their academic activities. A list of department contacts can be found on the Northern College website.
Until an agreement is reached, there will be picket line activity taking place at our campus entrance locations. Our number one priority during a work stoppage is the safety of employees, students, and the general public.
Local Transit buses in Timmins and Haileybury will continue to operate, however alternate bus stops will be put in place off campus. Please be patient and respectful when crossing picket lines, and refer to the picket line etiquette for more information.
Northern College is committed to keeping students, staff, community members and partners informed throughout the strike. We will continue to provide updates on social media platforms and here.
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