Faculty bargaining

On March 17, the CEC and OPSEU reached an agreement to enter binding interest arbitration and the strike that was scheduled to commence at 12:01 a.m. on March 18, is called off. This also includes all work-to-rule strike activities.

All classes continue as scheduled.

Learn more from the College Employer Council.

Updates from Georgian

March 17 @ 11 p.m.: No strikeGeorgian College Chevron

The CEC and OPSEU/SEFPO have reached an agreement to enter binding interest arbitration and the strike that was scheduled to commence at 12:01 a.m. on March 18, 2022, is called off. This also includes all work-to-rule strike activities.

March 17: Negotiations resume; classes run as scheduled unless otherwise notifiedGeorgian College Chevron

College announcement

This message was sent to all Georgian College students and employees on March 17.

To all employees and students,

Please see the following update from the College Employer Council (CEC) regarding a resumption of negotiations with the academic bargaining team. Ontario colleges remain committed to a negotiated settlement to avoid an academic walk-out strike.

Check the college website, Georgian’s social channels and student/employee emails for updates. Unless a strike is announced on these channels, all classes will continue as scheduled on Friday.

Update from CEC:

Bargaining Resumes: Management Urges Union to Call Off Strike

Today, Management and OPSEU return to the bargaining table to discuss the academic employee collective agreement. Management is prepared to meet all day and all night, and continue Friday and through the weekend if necessary. Colleges ask the Union to suspend any strike action in favour of continued talks.

We hope the Union will think of the students and reconsider making themselves available to meet with us Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Reaching an agreement to protect students and their education is the most important priority facing the parties.

March 14: Academic bargaining team provide notice for full strike action on Friday, March 18Georgian College Chevron

College announcement

This message was sent to all Georgian College students on March 14.

Dear students,

Today, the bargaining team representing full-time and partial load professors, instructors, librarians and counsellors have given notice that they intend to withdraw their services and will start a full walk-out strike at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, March 18.

Please see the following update and FAQ’s from the College Employer Council (CEC), who represents all of Ontario’s public colleges during contract negotiations. All Ontario colleges including Georgian, have remained committed to a negotiated settlement with the academic union. In the coming days, Georgian students will be able to get more information on the college website by following the academic bargaining update link that will be in the alert bar on the homepage.

Some key points

If academic employees begin the strike at 12:01 on Friday:

  • All Georgian full-time and part-time credit classes will be canceled and students will not be expected to complete any assignments for the duration of the strike. Classes will resume once the labour action has been resolved.
  • Every effort will be made to ensure your semester completion, regardless of this temporary disruption
  • Many work-integrated learning opportunities will continue, such as co-op work terms and any clinical/ placements that do not rely on striking academic employees
  • Some labs may also be open to students to use, providing the lab activity is supported by technicians and technologists
  • Campuses will be open and many services for students will still be provided
  • Picket lines at campuses are to be expected. A picket line protocol and tips for you to cross a picket line will be provided on the college website

For more information and the FAQs, please review the announcement on MyGCLife.

Academic programming *HIDDEN SECTION*

If the strike proceeds, all Georgian College full-time and part-time classes (i.e. day, evening and weekends) would be cancelled. Please see FAQs below for details related to Lakehead-Georgian and Georgian@ILAC classes.

All campuses will remain open. Some labs would be available for students to practise or refresh their skills with supervision from support staff technologists and technicians.

Every effort will be made to ensure students complete their semester. Academic completion plans will be put in place for each program.

Work-integrated learning *HIDDEN SECTION*

If a strike starts on March 18, winter semester co-op work terms will continue. Clinical and field placements will also continue where possible.

Picket line protocol *HIDDEN SECTION*

If there is a strike, the college will remain open and you may need to cross a picket line when coming on or off campus.

Safety is our first priority. Please remember, picketing is a legal activity. When crossing the line, you may expect members of the picket line to communicate information as you cross.

In crossing the picket line, please adhere to the following:

  1. Make your way through the line cautiously. The safety of everyone is the first priority. Pedestrians always have the right of way. This includes picketers. Drivers will be found at fault if a picketer is hit by a vehicle.
  1. Be friendly and courteous. There is a good chance that the individual with whom you are speaking is someone you will work or interact with after the strike.
  1. Do not accelerate to try to get through the line quickly.
  1. Do not take any comments or events personally. Be patient, courteous and polite.
  1. Avoid provocation or confrontation with picketers.
  1. Picketers may delay your access when they share information. You should allow extra time to get on or off campus. Delays may occur for drivers or walkers.
  1. If you feel that your safety, or the safety of anyone else is in jeopardy by crossing the picket line, do not cross it. Go to a safe place and call your manager or Campus Safety Services (CSS) at 705.722.5100. Please also report any incidents or unsafe behaviour to CSS.

FAQs: Students *HIDDEN SECTION*

International students: In addition to the questions below, please review the international student FAQs.

What is a strike?Georgian College Chevron

A strike is a legal form of work stoppage that occurs when work contract negotiations are unsuccessful. A strike is a tactic to pressure the employer to agree to the union’s demands. In a full walk-out strike, employees withdraw all their services and may walk the picket line. 

Why would faculty go on strike?Georgian College Chevron

The central bargaining team for all colleges has been negotiating to avoid the possibility of a strike. The union representing faculty has chosen to escalate to a full strike. More information about the bargaining process and the college’s offer can be found on the College Employer Council (CEC) website.

How long would the strike last?Georgian College Chevron

Strikes can last for a day or for an extended period of time. Please continue to check this page as well as your Georgian student email for the latest information as the situation evolves.

How would the strike impact Georgian College classes?Georgian College Chevron

If a strike starts on March 18, all Georgian College full-time and part-time classes (i.e. day, evening and weekends ) would be cancelled. 

How would the strike impact Lakehead-Georgian (LUGC) classes?Georgian College Chevron

In the event of a strike, all Lakehead-delivered courses in LUGC partnership programs on the Georgian Barrie Campus would move to remote learning as long as there is a work stoppage. Any Georgian-delivered courses as part of LUGC partnership programs would have classes canceled and learning would resume once the labour action is resolved.

How would the strike impact Georgian@ILAC classes?Georgian College Chevron

As Georgian@ILAC courses are taught by ILAC instructors, they would continue as scheduled in the event of a strike.

How would the strike impact Continuing Education classes?Georgian College Chevron
  • On-campus classes would be cancelled 
  • Most online classes would continue as scheduled 

If a strike occurs, college staff will email you to confirm whether or not your course will run or be cancelled as the date of your programming approaches. 

If your class is cancelled, Georgian will do its best to reschedule it. New dates would not be chosen until the strike is over.  

For more information, please email coned@georgiancollege.ca

How would the strike impact OntarioLearn classes?Georgian College Chevron

OntarioLearn courses hosted by Georgian would continue. Other colleges will determine whether their hosted courses will continue running.

How would the strike impact apprenticeship and dual credit classes?Georgian College Chevron

Apprenticeship and dual credit classes would be cancelled in the event of a strike.

Would my work-integrated learning (e.g. co-op, clinical placement, field placement, etc.) continue during the strike ?Georgian College Chevron

Co-op work terms would continue as scheduled during the strike.

Field placements and internships requiring faculty supervision would be cancelled, others may continue.

Clinical placements would continue where possible. Please contact clinicalplacementoffice@georgiancollege.ca for more information.

Would the strike impact my OSAP?Georgian College Chevron

If a strike happens, it’s best to check the  Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) website for updates. Typically, approved loans for registered students would continue to be issued. If you have questions, please email financialaid@georgiancollege.ca to connect with your financial aid officer.

Would I need to complete my course assignments during a strike?Georgian College Chevron

Students would not need to complete timed released tests and assignments during the event of a faculty strike. All academic delivery would be suspended during the strike and an academic recovery plan would be in place when classes resume. Detailed information regarding course content and assignments would become available at that time.  

What would happen to my semester because of the strike?Georgian College Chevron

Regardless of how events unfold, Georgian is committed to students’ learning. No Ontario college student has ever lost a year because of a strike. If a strike occurs, an academic recovery plan will be announced once the labour action is resolved. 

Would I be able to continue living in residence during the strike?Georgian College Chevron

Yes. In the event of a strike, students living in Georgian’s on-campus student residences in Barrie, Orillia or Owen Sound could continue with their existing lease agreements.

If a strike occurs and I come to campus, how would I safely cross a picket line?Georgian College Chevron

Please refer to our picket line protocol section.

FAQs: International students *HIDDEN SECTION*

What if I can’t continue my classes because of the strike? Would my status be at risk because I’m not studying?Georgian College Chevron

As a study permit holder, you are required to maintain valid status as a student in Canada, even during a labour dispute. You will not face any penalty if you cannot continue studies in the event of a strike.

You are expected, however, to return to class after the strike is resolved and to extend your study permit if you need to.

More information can be found on the Government of Canada website.

Would I still be eligible to work off campus during the strike?Georgian College Chevron

If you were eligible to work off campus 20 hours per week prior to the strike, you could continue to work maximum 20 hours per week and up to full-time hours only during the periods that are considered regularly scheduled breaks (e.g. Christmas break, Study Week, etc.).

More information can be found on the Government of Canada website.

Would my post-graduation work permit eligibility be affected if I can’t study due to the strike? Georgian College Chevron

You would still be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes that this situation is beyond your control and your status as a study permit holder should not be affected.

FAQs: Future students *HIDDEN SECTION*

Should I still apply for admission now, or wait until later?Georgian College Chevron

Applicants should continue to apply to Georgian as soon as they can.  

I have applied to a program that requires faculty evaluation (e.g. reference letters, resumé, letter of intent, etc.). How would the strike affect my admission?Georgian College Chevron

Decisions regarding admissions processes for such programs are made on a program-by-program basis. In the event of a strike, we will make decisions as quickly as possible, but in some situations delays may be unavoidable.

I have transfer credits that need to be evaluated. How would the strike affect this?Georgian College Chevron

Evaluations are completed by faculty. During the strike period, evaluations would be on hold. 

I’m a transfer student. If there is a strike, will there be a delay in my admission offer for advanced standing?Georgian College Chevron

Admission decisions to upper semesters rely on the evaluations completed by faculty. During the strike period, evaluations would be on hold.

FAQs: Summer semester *HIDDEN SECTION*

Currently, the summer 2022 semester is scheduled to begin on May 9. If plans change, we will update you as soon as possible.

FAQs: How to access services on campus *HIDDEN SECTION*

If a strike begins on March 18, all Georgian campuses would remain open. Staff and administrators would be at work and many non-academic services for students would continue.

During a strike, which student services would open?Georgian College Chevron

Most services would continue to be available. Read how to access each service and learn about their hours of operation. We’ll continue to update this resource as more information becomes available.

Would the Health and Wellness Clinics still operate during a strike?Georgian College Chevron

In the event of a strike, the following clinics would remain open:

All other Health and Wellness Clinics would be closed during the strike.

Would there be any changes to bus routes at Georgian campuses?Georgian College Chevron

If a strike begins on March 18, please be advised of the following transit updates at Georgian campuses.

We’ll continue to add to this list as more information regarding transit at other campuses becomes available.

Barrie Campus

  • During the strike, Barrie Transit buses would divert around the regular college stops (stops 330 and 331). If this happens, please use the temporary stops on Georgian Drive. Refer to the Barrie Transit map for details.
  • Simcoe County LINX stop 110 at the Barrie Campus would be temporarily closed during the strike, with an alternate stop on Georgian Drive at Governors Drive. View the LINX route one map for details.

Midland Campus

Orillia Campus

South Georgian Bay Campus

  • Simcoe County LINX service to the South Georgian Bay Campus would be unavailable during the strike.
During a strike, which campus entrances would be open or closed?Georgian College Chevron

In the event of a strike, all street entrances to campuses would remain the same, with the exception of the Cook Street entrance at the Barrie Campus which would be closed during the strike.

For information on door entrances into buildings, please refer to the designated entrances as per our COVID-19 safety protocols.

I’m feeling overwhelmed. Is there someone I can talk to?Georgian College Chevron

We realize this is a difficult time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or wish to talk to someone, here’s how you can get support.

  • Free and confidential video counselling: Georgian has set up free and confidential video counselling through the health and dental insurance provider for our students. If you opted out of the health and dental plan, you can still access video counselling – it is available for all Georgian students, including Academic Upgrading and international students.
  • Good2Talk: You can also access Good2Talk – a free, confidential helpline providing professional counselling and information referrals for postsecondary students in Ontario,
  • Togetherall: Anonymously access an online community where people can support one another. ​​​​​​​It’s open and clinically managed by professionals 24/7. It includes helpful resources, courses and self-assessment tools.
  • Be Well @ Georgian: A new text service that sends helpful tips right to your phone when you need them most! Learn more about Georgian resources, workshops, and be reminded of ways to take care of your  well-being. 
  • Drop-in sessions: The Mental Health and Well-being team will be offering group drop-in sessions for students to connect, practise mindfulness and build coping strategies. Upcoming sessions will be posted on MyGCLife.

For additional resources, please visit the mental health and well-being page on MyGCLife. If you have questions or need help finding a resource, please email mhwb@georgiancollege.ca.

International students

International students have access to 24/7 telephone counselling through their student insurance plan. To access the program:

*HIDDEN SECTION*

Would we receive a tuition refund for our lost academic time?Georgian College Chevron

In the past, decisions on refunds were made by the provincial government, not individual colleges. If a strike starts on March 18, Georgian will receive direction from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities with regard to any provincial refund practices. We’ll update this FAQ as more information becomes available.

If a strike occurs and I come to campus, how would I safely cross a picket line?Georgian College Chevron

Please refer to our picket line etiquette section.