Support Staff Strike Update

Today marks the first day of classes at Fanshawe at the London, St. Thomas, Simcoe and Woodstock campuses. All College locations are open and classes are running as scheduled despite a province-wide strike by Support Staff.  College officials have asked students to be patient as line-ups for service at the College may be longer than usual for the first week of classes.
 
In a letter to all students on the weekend, College President Dr. Howard Rundle welcomed them and asked them to be patient and respectful as they crossed picket lines. He urged students to take the bus, car pool, or walk if possible. The College has asked all students, staff, and visitors to familiarize themselves with the right way to cross a picket-line. Details can be found here: http://www.fanshawec.ca/news-events/presidents-message

Contract talks between OPSEU and the Council, which represents the employer, did not result in a negotiated settlement before a strike deadline of August 31 at midnight set by the union.  As a result, almost 500 Support Staff from Fanshawe remain on strike.
 
In response to questions from employees and the general public, the College Employer Council has posted the colleges’ and the union’s tabled positions at the time the strike started.  Details can be found here:   http://www.thecouncil.on.ca/