OPSEU's Revised Proposals Not the Basis of Settlement, say Ontario's Colleges

Union's proposals ultimately cost more than $400 million annually
Colleges remain committed to reach negotiated settlement

TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Ontario's colleges were disappointed by the latest proposals tabled by OPSEU. The union has not changed the substance or ultimate cost of its original proposals. This is preventing the two sides from reaching a settlement.

"The union is only tinkering with its proposals and not making the substantive changes needed to get a deal," said Sonia Del Missier, Chair, Colleges' Bargaining Team. "The colleges' final offer is now the only path to a settlement that would avoid a strike."

Ms. Del Missier continued, "Our final offer is comparable to, or better than, recent public-sector settlements with teachers, college support staff, hospital professionals, and Ontario public servants. We are asking the union to work over the weekend with the colleges to finalize a settlement based on our final offer."

Union's Proposals:

• The union's proposals would ultimately add an additional $400 million in annual costs through salary increases, staffing ratios, and reduced faculty workload.
• To put the $400 million cost in perspective, the colleges already spend $750 million annually on full-time faculty salaries.
• The union is demanding a 9.0% wage increase over three years that would put the new full-time faculty maximum salary over $116,000.
• In addition to these costs, the colleges do not agree with the substance of the union's positions on senates, staffing ratios, and academic control.

Colleges' Final Offer:

• 7.75% over four years - raises new full-time faculty maximum to $115,378
• new partial-load hourly maximum of $154.26
• improved conversion of contract faculty to full-time positions
• a plan to respond to Bill 148 when it becomes law
• more faculty autonomy over personal workloads
• enhanced benefits, and
• no concessions

SOURCE College Employer Council

For further information: For media inquiries: David Scott, 416-786-1641, [e-mail]

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