As of September 11, a full walk-out strike has been called by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing full-time support staff at colleges across Ontario.
As the College Employer Council bargains on behalf of all 24 of Ontario’s public colleges, we are hopeful for a resolution that balances fairness for staff with the sustainability of the college system. Our full-time support staff are valued colleagues and partners in education, and we respect their right to collectively bargain and withdraw their services as a legitimate means of reaching a fair and equitable agreement.
For further information, please check your email or bookmark this page and check back for updates.
Negotiation Update October 10, 2025
The CEC and OPSEU have agreed to a further mediation session on October 11.
Negotiation Update October 7, 2025
The CEC provides an overview of the issues and what has been offered in negotiations.
Strike Alert October 7, 2025
Thank you for your understanding as the College shifted classes and work online where possible at our Progress and Ashtonbee campuses on Monday, October 6. Classes and work have returned to their usual format at our Progress and Ashtonbee campuses as of Tuesday, October 7. Services have returned to the formats and hours of operation outlined in our modified strike operations schedule for student services. As the strike remains ongoing, we ask that you continue to closely monitor official College channels — including your myCentennial email and Centennial Luminate — for any updates about our operations or classes.
Strike Alert October 6, 2025
Due to a strike-related rally, classes and work at Ashtonbee and Progress campuses are shifting online today – Monday, October 6 - where possible. Employees and students are encouraged to avoid Progress campus, and avoid travelling to this site by personal vehicle. Please check your email and Luminate for updates.
Progress Campus Service Changes
- IT Service Desks remain open for normal service, including front counters
- Library services are expected to re-open for study and technology loans at 5 p.m.
- The Service Hub is offering virtual services through Centennial Access to Student Services (CASS) or by phone
- The Athletic and Wellness Centre is closed
- The Market Place cafeteria is closed
- Other student services and supports continue to offer programs and services remotely
Ashtonbee Campus Service Changes
- The Ashtonbee Gym is closed
- Other student services and supports continue to offer programs and services remotely
Strike Advisory October 5, 2025
Following union-led rallies that took place at several colleges last week, Centennial is carefully monitoring and preparing for the possibility of similar occurrences at our campuses.
In the event of a large-scale rally at any of our locations, Centennial may need to make temporary adjustments to our operations, such as shifting classes and work online where possible.
Any changes to Centennial’s operations will be communicated through official College channels, such as Centennial Luminate, myCentennial email, our social media accounts and website.
Negotiation Update September 29, 2025
The CEC provides an update following mediation and expresses that the parties are far from an agreement.
Negotiation Update September 24, 2025
The CEC reports that a mediator has been appointed by the province and mediation may begin as early as September 26.
Negotiation Update September 22, 2025
The CEC urges OPSEU to remove four demands that are preventing a negotiated agreement for full-time support staff at Ontario colleges.
Negotiation Update September 15, 2025
The CEC assures students, parents and employees that Ontario’s 24 colleges want to resolve the bargaining standstill with OPSEU.
Negotiation Update September 10, 2025
On the eve of a declared strike, the CEC and the OPSEU have failed to reach a renewal collective agreement. CEC continues to urge mediation/arbitration to help reach an agreement.
Negotiation Update September 5, 2025
CEC confirmed it has proposed in writing that OPSEU immediately remove two of its demands that are
blocking a settlement.
Negotiation Update September 3, 2025
OPSEU has rejected calls for interest arbitration and given notice that it intends to begin strike action on September 11, 2025.
Negotiation Update August 29, 2025
CEC provided another offer to the OPSEU bargaining unit with the aim to move discussions forward after 19 days of negotiations. This group is in a legal strike position effective September 11, 2025.
Negotiation Update August 21, 2025
The College Employer Council (CEC) proposed binding mediation/arbitration to OPSEU after it requested a “No Board Report” from the Ministry of Labour.