Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Bargaining
For the latest information on the ongoing negotiations between the CEC and the Union, visit the Academic Bargaining updates webpage.
On October 9, the College Employer Council (CEC) and OPSEU entered conciliation. Conciliation is a process by which a conciliation officer is appointed by the Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to meet with the union and the employer to attempt to conclude a collective agreement.
On November 6, 2024, the CEC and OPSEU mutually agreed to enter non-binding mediation. Both parties will submit proposals to the agreed upon neutral mediator, who will work with the parties to find common ground and come to an agreement. If the parties do not come to an agreement, the mediator cannot force either party to change their position. Mediation took place December 6-8, 2024. On December 9, it was announced that mediation would continue on January 6 and Tuesday January 7, 2025.
A no board report is a formal notice issued by the Ontario Minister of Labour when conciliation between an employer and a union fails. On December 12, the OPSEU academic bargaining team requested a no board report from the Ministry of Labour, which was issued on December 18. The no board report gives the Union a position to notify or start labour action, such as a strike, if they choose. Mediation remains scheduled for January 6 and 7, 2025, and while the union is in a legal strike position, there remains the possibility for mediation to continue or alternative forms of negotiations such as binding arbitration to occur.
Labour action does mean strike. Strike action can take various forms, which include work-to-rule, rotating strikes, all the way up to a full walk out. Only the Union can determine what forms of strike action will occur and when.
A strike may take different forms. In general, it is a refusal to work that is designed to slow down, disrupt, or stop operations. A strike is organized by a Union as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to force the employer to agree to their demands.
Yes, bargaining may continue, and if both parties are willing, a settlement can be negotiated.
Yes, if a strike commences, it includes all full-time and partial-load faculty in Ontario’s 24 colleges. This also includes full-time librarians and counsellors.
Humber will inform/update students about a faculty strike and the impact on their classes/schedules in the following ways:
- Updates posted on www.humber.ca/updates
- Through Humber’s main social media channels
- By direct email
- Information/links posted on MyHumber
The CEC website contains information on the bargaining process and an ongoing archive of proposals from both parties. Additionally, all news updates are published across CEC social media channels and the website.