As per reports, Ontario’s 24 public colleges are reportedly experiencing a large-scale labour disruption after more than 10,000 support staff launched a strike on Thursday (11 September).

• The strike follows a breakdown in negotiations between the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the College Employer Council.
• The striking workers represent about 150 job categories, including maintenance, administrative, and student support roles.
• Their key demands include job security assurances, protection against further campus closures or mergers, and limits on staff reductions.
• The strike is occurring in the context of recent layoffs across the Ontario college system, which saw more than 8,000 positions eliminated and over 600 programs suspended in the past year.
• At the same time, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia has locked out faculty members, marking its third week without classes. The lockout began after disagreements over wage increases, with the administration offering 2 percent annually over three years, while the faculty association sought a higher raise.
• Dalhousie has reported significant financial pressure, including an operating deficit of CAD 6.8 million in 2024–25 and an 18 percent decline in international student enrolments. The administration is seeking CAD 75 million in cost savings over the next three years.
• Both disputes are linked to broader systemic challenges in Canada’s postsecondary education sector, including reduced federal permits for international students, declining enrolment, and heavy reliance on tuition revenue.