2025 CAAT-FTSS Bargaining
Ontario college full-time support staff (such as clerks, assistants, tutors, etc.) are unionized as the College of Applied Arts and Technology – Full-time Support Staff (CAAT-FTSS; also known as CAAT-S FT) and are represented by the Ontario Public Service Employee Union (OPSEU). Their work is negotiated through Collective Agreements, an employment contract between full-time support staff and Ontario colleges, who are represented by the College Employer Council (CEC). The current Collective Agreement expired on August 31, 2025.
Since June 2025, OPSEU and the CEC have been engaging in meetings to negotiate a new Collective Agreement to replace the one that expired in August, 2025. During the negotiation process, both sides have been suggesting changes to their Collective Agreement, offering counter-proposals, and discussing how to strengthen Ontario's Colleges for all parties. Their discussions have been focused on job security, paid vacation time, shift schedules, health and wellness benefits, salary, and much more.
As your student association, we are advocating to encourage both sides to continue the bargaining process to ensure there is no/minimal disruption to your student experience.
We also want to provide you with an explanation of what has already happened and what could happen in the near future. We have created this webpage to keep you updated on the negotiation process and answer common questions.
We will continue to post updates to this page and on social media as they are available.
What has happened so far?
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Date
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What Happened
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June 2, 2025
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Notice to Bargain was served on June 2, 2025 by OPSEU team to the CEC.
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June 17-19, 2025
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The bargaining process between the CEC and OPSEU began. The CEC received OPSEU’s proposals for changes to the Collective Agreement.
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July 8-10, 2025
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The bargaining process continued. Both sides exchanged proposals they felt would improve the Collective Agreement.
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July 14, 2025
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OPSEU requested a Conciliation Officer.
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July 21-24, 2025
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Further negotiations continued to try and amend the Collective Agreement to satisfy both sides.
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August 13-15, 2025
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OPSEU holds a strike mandate vote, with 77.3% of union members voting in favour of a strike mandate.
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August 20, 2025
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The Ministry of Labour assigns a Conciliation Officer.
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August 21, 2025
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OPSEU requested a ‘no board report’ that was issued August 26, 2025 and started a 17-day countdown to potential strike action for September 11
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August 25-31, 2025
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Bargaining process continued in an effort to reach an agreement.
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September 1, 2025
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OPSEU announced that, without a deal, they will begin strike action on September 11, 2025.
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| September 5, 2025 |
CEC requested that OPSEU drop two demands that the CEC felt it would not be possible to agree to. |
| September 9-10, 2025 |
Bargaining dates have been scheduled with an aim to negotiate a deal to avoid strike action. |
| September 11, 2025 |
OPSEU staff have initiated their strike action as of 12:01am. Please be patient and respectful of their picket and leave extra time to get to campus. Classes are continuing as scheduled. |
| September 15, 2025 |
CEC issues a public statement calling for OPSEU to amend their proposals or agree to arbitration. |
| September 23, 2025 |
OPSEU calls for a government-appointed mediator and to return to the bargaining table with their support. |
| September 24, 2025 |
CEC and OPSEU agree to return to bargaining with the assistance of a government-appointed mediator on Friday, September 26. |
What To Do During the Strike?
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Classes are expected to continue, as scheduled (with some exceptions). You should continue to attend class and monitor your student email and eConestoga daily for updates.
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Plan for extra time to get to classes on campus. Picket lines will be delaying the entry of vehicles and people to campus between 8am and 4pm. Public Transit will also move bus stops to locations off-campus. This means it will take longer to make it to your classes.
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Be patient and respectful of the staff who are picketing. Don’t feel intimidated by them, and consider asking them questions when crossing the picket line to understand why they are on strike.
- NOTE: If you are disrespectful, do something dangerous or illegal when crossing a picket line, it may be reported to Conestoga College and local Police Services. This could result in sanctions up to and including discontinuance from the college and/or criminal charges and penalties from the local Police Service.
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Check with Conestoga College to find out what Student Services may have reduced hours or restricted availability here.
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Share your concerns and questions with CSI about the strike by completing the form at the bottom of this page! We will be using your feedback and questions to help build our frequently asked questions, explore opportunities to ensure students have the support they need, and to advocate for the strike to be resolved.
What Could Happen Next?
The actions that could occur and impact the Fall 2025 semester include:
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OPSEU can continue to strike until a new agreement is reached, change their strike action, or both sides agree to end the strike and continue the bargaining process. Other strike could include:
- Work-to-rule (CAAT-FTSS members only do what the collective agreement requires and nothing more)
- Rotating strikes (a series of strikes, each lasting up to a day)
- Strategic strikes (a work stoppage of a limited number of members within the CAAT-FTSS members)
- General strike (full work stoppage) - This is what is currently happening
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The CEC could lock-out CAAT-FTSS members, preventing them from continuing or returning to work.
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The CEC can change the terms of employment outlined in the collective agreement for CAAT-FTSS members.
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The CEC can request a “last offer vote” (an offer of settlement that CAAT-FTSS members vote on without their union’s endorsement).
Frequently Asked Questions
CSI has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you navigate this labour action. This webpage includes expanded definitions of key terms, support resources, and how to navigate crossing a picket line if you choose to do so. Click the button below to learn more!
Share your feedback, concerns, and questions with CSI!
CSI is here to represent the student voice and advocate in the best interests of students. To support this, we want to know how this will impact you if there is labour action, what your questions and concerns are, and how you feel CSI can and should support students in the event of labour action. Tell us using the form below!