Full-Time Support Staff Bargaining FAQ
This page will act as a hub of information that NCSAC will update as often as possible.
Given the information in media about a potential full-time support staff strike at Ontario colleges, it is completely understandable that you, as a student, are going to have a lot of questions. Your NCSAC is going to remain fully neutral throughout this process and act as your unbiased source of information. If you have a question that you don't see listed here, please reach out to us through this website's chat or our Facebook or Instagram accounts @YourNCSAC! Of course, you can also stop by our office, too.
Let's hope the two sides reach an agreement!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Could a strike be avoided prior to Thursday, September 11, 2025?
Will NRT and GO Transit Buses be running?
What is “job action / a strike”?
In Canada, unionized employees have a legal right to negotiate contracts and to strike. A strike is sometimes used to temporarily interrupt the employers’ operations as a form of action to motivate negotiations. A strike is a lawful activity that can take many forms, including modified work schedules (work to rule) that slow down, interrupt or disrupt operations. Strikes can also include rotating job actions at some work sites but not at others.
At its most serious, a strike can be a full work stoppage, where employees on strike no longer come to work.
When could a potential strike occur?
A strike could happen as soon as Thursday, September 11, 2025.
OPSEU has taken the necessary steps to prepare for the strike. From Aug 13-15, 2025, their members voted 77.3% in support of a strike mandate. On August 25, 2025 OPSEU submitted what is called a “no board report”, meaning a 16 day countdown began to when they could take job action. On September 1, 2025, OPSEU submitted a “notice to strike” and therefore means that OPSEU members will be in a legal position to strike as early as Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Yes, a strike could be avoided if a negotiated agreement is reached prior to 12:01am on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Both sides are meeting again on September 9th & 10th for further negotiations.
What is causing this strike?
OPSEU (the union representing the college’s full-time support staff) and the College Employer Council (who represents the 24 colleges in Ontario) have been trying to negotiate an updated agreement for the OPSEU full-time support staff. At this point, negotiations have not resulted in an agreement and therefore it is the right of OPSEU members to start the process of job action, up to and including a strike.
NCSAC respects the right for both parties to negotiate a fair contract and remains neutral in terms of specific bargaining topics and we hope that both parties can reach a mutually beneficial outcome without disrupting our NC students’ educational journey.
Will classes continue if a strike occurs?
Yes. Classes, labs and other learning activities WILL CONTINUE if a strike occurs. Faculty will remain in classrooms, as the OPSEU members who would be striking, are full-time support staff and not faculty members. Faculty members are not part of the potential strike.
Yes. But, the drop off locations will be different as both transit providers will not enter either campuses.
NOTL Campus:
The transit platform for ALL Niagara Transit Buses is on the south side of Glendale Avenue between Taylor Rd and Lampton Court.
Go Bus will pick-up and drop-off on the Southwest corner of Glendale Ave and Taylor Road. There is an island median there and also a stop light so everyone can cross Taylor Road safely.
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Welland Campus:
All buses will stop on the West side of First Avenue to ensure that no one has to cross First Ave without a stoplight.
What types of jobs do full-time support staff fulfill on college campuses?
The full-time support staff are an important group of employees on campus working in areas such as clerical and technical administration, health care, academic accommodations and advising, health care, building maintenance, information technology services, lab technologists, technicians and more.
These full-time support staff members work in the areas of Enrolment Services and Financial Aid, Libraries & Academic Services, Student Services, Athletics & Student Engagement, Marketing & Student Recruitment, International Student Services, Indigenous Education, College Operation and Research & Innovation.
I want to get more educated about what is happening and stay up to date on the latest information…where do I go?
Students have several options and NCSAC encourages you to follow as many as possible to keep up to date:
NCSAC FAQ and Information:
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Follow along for student-friendly information about what is happening at our Niagara College campuses and how it affects you as Niagara College students. Our FB and IG - @YourNCSAC, and this FAQ
Niagara College FAQ:
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You can stay up to date on Niagara College campus specific information by visiting Niagara College’s FAQ page at Bargaining Updates | Niagara College
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OPSEU - Stay up to date on bargaining details on behalf of the full-time support staff:
College Employer Council - Stay up to date on bargaining details on behalf of the 24 colleges in Ontario:
Are students allowed to cross picket lines to use on-campus services if there is a strike?
Yes, students are permitted to cross picket lines to access campus if there is a strike. If there is a strike, NCSAC will post documents that will outline where you can enter campus and protocol on how to cross the picket line to get to campus.
Can I still access campus facilities during a strike?
Yes, most campus facilities will remain open. Some departments may experience changes in hours or staffing levels, but more information will follow as it becomes available.
Will Transit be affected by any type of labour action or strike?
GO buses and Niagara Transit Commission (NTC) buses will follow the same schedule as usual during any labour action, however, in the event of a full strike, the pickup and drop off locations for buses will change.
NCSAC will communicate those locations in the event of a strike.