College faculty deserve a fair deal and safe campuses: Lindo

KITCHENER – NDP critic for Colleges and Universities Laura Mae Lindo (Kitchener Centre) released the following statement on the impasse in bargaining between the province’s 24 publicly funded colleges and its faculty, represented by OPSEU:

"College faculty deserve a fair deal that meets their needs as workers, especially at such a difficult time in our province. Ontario prides itself on having high quality colleges, and these workers are essential to make that a reality for Ontario students and families. As negotiations have hit an impasse, I urge the Ford government to step in a help resolve the dispute to make sure these workers get a fair deal. The continuation of Ford’s low-wage policy is only harmful.

Any deal without safe campuses is no deal at all. Faculty, staff and students deserve safe campuses as they return to in-person learning in the coming weeks. Ford must make the investments in onsite rapid testing, small classes, improved ventilation, and mental health supports that our colleges and universities need.”