When it comes to labor unions, collective agreements are the cornerstone of their work. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) represents workers in a variety of sectors, including the college academic sector. Recently, the OPSEU college academic support staff reached a collective agreement with the College Employer Council after a 17-day strike.

So what does this agreement mean for the workers represented by OPSEU? The key points include wage increases, improvements to job security, and benefits for part-time employees.

Wage increases are always a hotly debated topic in collective bargaining, and this agreement is no exception. The support staff will see a wage increase of 7.75% over four years, with retroactive pay dating back to September 1, 2017. This increase is in line with other recent agreements reached by OPSEU.

Job security is another critical component of the agreement. Support staff positions will become more secure, with a cap on the number of contract positions and a commitment to convert more contract positions to permanent status. This will provide stability for support staff and their families and help ensure the continuity of services at Ontario colleges.

Part-time staff will also benefit from this agreement. They will now have access to the same benefits as full-time employees, including dental and vision care, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage. This is a significant step in recognizing the contributions made by part-time staff and providing them with the same protections and benefits as their full-time counterparts.

In summary, the OPSEU college academic support staff collective agreement is a significant victory for workers in the sector. It provides wage increases, job security, and benefits for part-time employees, all of which are critical for ensuring the continued success of Ontario colleges. As always, collective agreements like these are the result of hard work and negotiation, and they serve as an essential tool for unions in protecting and advancing the rights of workers.