System-wide Strike Vote Result Increases Likelihood of Strike by Sheridan Faculty

September 15, 2017: A system-wide strike vote was held yesterday at Ontario’s 24 colleges, and preliminary results indicated a 68% decision in favour of strike action across the province if a settlement is not reached by September 30, when the current collective agreement expires.

The colleges’ offer of a 7.5% salary increase over four years, a new maximum salary of $115,094, a lump sum payment, benefit enhancements, and no concessions remains in place until September 29, 2017. The colleges’ offer is in line with other recent settlements by public servants, teachers, and college support staff.

The union’s proposals would increase costs by $400 million annually, change the governance of colleges, and restrict the colleges from overseeing academic delivery. The union also tabled a salary demand of more than 10% over three years.

“We are hopeful that a settlement can be reached and disruption to the academic year averted,” said Dr. Janet Morrison, Sheridan’s Provost and Vice President Academic. “However, should a strike take place, we will focus our efforts on ensuring that all of our students have the opportunity to achieve their academic goals.”

The colleges and the union will return to the bargaining table on September 18.