News Release


College Bargaining Rights Expanded And Modernized

McGuinty Government Extends Bargaining Rights to Part-Time Workers

October 1, 2008

New legislation passed today gives part-time college workers in Ontario the right to collective bargaining.

The new Colleges Collective Bargaining Act, 2008, gives part-time and sessional college workers the right to bargain collectively for the first time in Ontario. The act also modernizes collective bargaining processes in colleges for the first time in 33 years, bringing them more in-line with those in most other Ontario workplaces.

This new legislation marks an important step forward in modernizing the province's college system and ensuring strong, stable learning environments and a quality education experience for students.

The legislation was developed with strong input from college workplace parties and after a thorough review followed by a report and recommendations from Kevin Whitaker, Chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board, who was appointed by the government to review college collective bargaining.

Quotes

"This marks a major step forward for the rights of part-time college workers and for the strength of our colleges – a cornerstone of Ontario's postsecondary and training system," said Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy.

Quick Facts

  • There are more than 17,000 part-time faculty and support staff working in Ontario colleges, representing about half the total workforce.
  • Ontario colleges serve about 250,000 students, including regular postsecondary studies, apprenticeships and training programs.
  • The legislation will take effect following Royal Assent.

Learn More

Learn more about Ontario's colleges.

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