CEC responds to OPSEU request for mediation

The College Employer Council (CEC) learned through the media that the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) was seeking a government-appointed mediator. Although CEC has received no formal request from OPSEU, CEC has been engaged with the government officials and agreed to meet in mediation on Friday, September 26, 2025.

CEC values the important work the college support staff perform for students and the college system. Their work is critical to the success of colleges. We hope this process will result in a negotiated agreement and put an end to this unnecessary strike.

“Colleges have consistently bargained in good faith and have put forward more than $145 million in improved wages, benefits, and job security, and advised OPSEU of issues it cannot accept. We hope, with the assistance of a government mediator, we will be able to secure a fair deal that balances the needs of employees, students, and the long-term sustainability of the college system,” said Graham Lloyd, CEO of CEC.

“Colleges strive to foster a respectful workplace environment ensuring all employees and members of the community are treated with dignity and respect,” Lloyd continued. “We hope the OPSEU bargaining team will honour those same values at the negotiating table.”

It is essential we continue to work towards strengthening the Ontario public college system and strive to reach a fair agreement that benefits our support staff and all college stakeholders.