OPSEU members at colleges across Ontario are on strike for job security

Over 10,000 OPSEU/SEFPO full-time support workers at 24 Ontario public colleges began a province-wide strike on September 11, 2025, in an effort to secure job security. This week, UFCW Local 175 staff attended a picket line in Ottawa to show support for the striking workers.

Public colleges are the backbone of Ontario’s economy — training local workers, filling skilled labour gaps, and supporting key industries like manufacturing, health care, and hospitality. They reduce poverty, drive employment, and strengthen communities across the province.

If you are a UFCW Local 175 member and you work at a college where there is a picket line, your employment rights and obligations under your collective agreement do not change during a job action by another union.

You should respect their picket line protocols, take leaflets, and listen to their information, but since you are not on strike, your collective agreement requires you to report to work and do your job.

Outside your working hours, you are encouraged to join the picket lines or engage in other acts of solidarity that will be much appreciated by the picketers.

If your employer shuts down because of a strike, you retain your rights.

If your employer decides to close all or part of the workplace because of another bargaining unit’s job action, you will be advised. You retain your rights to wages and benefits under your collective agreement. If you are not told the workplace is closed, you must report to work as scheduled.

Members with any questions or concerns should reach out to their Union Representative.

See a few more photos from the OPSEU picket line on Facebook or Instagram.