Mohawk College Strike- with Bill Steinburg of CEC and Sean Coffey- Mohawk Collge Hamilton

There are always two sides to every story, and in labour disputes, this holds especially true. In keeping with our commitment to balanced and fair reporting, The Hamiltonian invited representatives from Mohawk College’s management to respond to our questions.

We have since learned that certain questions are most appropriately addressed by Mohawk College executives, while others fall under the purview of the College Employer Council, which oversees collective bargaining for all 24 colleges across Ontario. 

Further, while these parties were set to answer certain questions, the College Employer Council (CEC) received a proposal of demands from the union late Thursday afternoon and have elected to study and respond to those demands, while suspending responding to certain questions below. This is understandable, given the climate. 

1. Can you describe the key issues at the heart of this strike and explain why they are significant? How do these issues affect Hamiltonians, and why should they support your position?

Was to be answered by the CEC but response is suspended pending negotiations. 

2. Of the issues you have identified, which do you believe will be the most difficult to resolve, and what makes it particularly complex or contentious?

Was to be answered by the CEC but response is suspended pending negotiations. 

3. Some classes have been cancelled as a result of strike activity. What is Mohawk College’s Administration doing to ensure the negative impacts of strike action iare mitigated? 

I believe the reference to the cancellation of classes refers to the large-scale picketing event that took place on October 2 at our Fennell campus. Classes were not cancelled that day. In the interest of safety, the college decided to suspend on-campus classes and activities. Most classes moved online. Our other campuses were not affected. The October 2 event was part of a coordinated campaign that took place at several colleges across the province that day, and has been repeated at other colleges since then. Many of the picketers who were at our campus that day were not from Mohawk.

As for mitigating the impact of the strike, since the strike began on September 11, classes have continued to run as scheduled, and we have told students to attend class as they normally would. The college is also making every effort to maintain essential services and supports for students throughout the strike, but there may be delays and some services may not be available. (answered by Sean Coffey-Director, Mohawk College Hamilton, Communications & Special Events)


4. While job security and contracting out are long-standing themes in labour relations, the rise of Artificial Intelligence introduces new challenges. How does AI factor into this dispute, and how do you respond to union members’ concerns that A.I has the potential to displace workers? 

Was to be answered by the CEC but response is suspended pending negotiations. 

The Hamiltonian also asked about Ms Lau, President of Local 241's , statement concerning Efficiency Audits (found here). 

Here is the response from Sean Coffey-Director, Mohawk College Hamilton, Communications & Special Events):

Several Ontario colleges undertook Efficiency and Accountability Fund reviews, either voluntarily or as directed by government, to identify broad-based opportunities for potential efficiencies at those colleges. The recommendations are not binding on any college. The reviews reflect colleges’ commitment to ensuring students remain at the forefront of the college experience, with access to high-quality outcomes and training in high-demand programs.

I can confirm that Mohawk is currently taking part in the review process, which will continue until early in the new year. The purpose is to assess and validate the changes we have already made and provide the college with new, expert perspectives on the efficiency of our operations.

The Hamiltonian hopes that the most recent round of proposals results in an end to this dispute. We keep the door open to both sides of the dispute to further get their perspectives known, as appropriate. 

We end with a release shared by Bill Steinburg of the CEC, summarizing the latest developments:

Colleges propose weekend mediation to resolve strike

 

In an effort to end a four-week-long strike, the College Employer Council (CEC) invited the full-time support staff union bargaining team to enter into private mediation this weekend with mediator William Kaplan.

On Thursday, October 9, CEC received an updated list of demands from the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) bargaining team and a request to resume bargaining. After reviewing the union’s latest proposal, CEC responded with a request that the union join in mediation with Mediator Kaplan this weekend.

This evening, the OPSEU bargaining team accepted the offer of mediation. The session will begin Saturday, October 11.

“Support staff play an important role in Ontario colleges, supporting operations and contributing to student success,” said Graham Lloyd, CEO of CEC. “Colleges would like to reach a fair deal that will bring them off the picket lines and back to work. We feel a mediation session with Mediator Kaplan this weekend offers the best way to do that.”

CEC remains committed to working toward a resolution that supports staff, restores campus operations, and prioritizes student success.

To respect this mediation process, CEC does not plan on issuing any further statements until the mediation has concluded. there anything else you would like Hamiltonians to understand about your position or the broader context of this strike?