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Posted by: furlong on 10/29/2009 11:29 AM
Updated by: furlong on 10/29/2009 11:29 AM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM

Time is ticking on part-time decision

Canadore College along with 23 other colleges in Ontario await results on vote for part-time staff workers to unionize.

By Jon Cada
theclaw.ca

In the month of October, part time workers across Ontario’s 24 community colleges have been given a chance to decide on unionizing. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is spear-heading the movement for part-timers.

The voting has yet to finish but if the workers decided to unionize, they would then draft a contract with colleges to start receiving increased benefits from the schools and make the difference between full;and part-time workers smaller.

OPSEU representative Mike Bissaillon says part time work in schools is a growing trend for older teachers who still want to teach but not full-time. It’s also a way for young teachers to get into the field. One issue, however, is that colleges across Ontario have been hiring more part-time staff and fewer full-time staff. This means fewer people are receiving benefits from the college and the union's view is that it’s not fair to part-timers, especially if there are some who are trying to move up to full-time employment, but are kept on only as part-timers.

“Canadore College employs approximately 60% of its staff as part-time workers with the other 40% are full time workers,” Bissaillon explained. “These numbers tell us that the school is heavily reliant on its part-time workers to keep the school running. If the staff here at the school decides to unionize, then we will work on a contract and present it to the college in the hopes of providing increased work benefits that work with both the school and the part-time staff union.”

Canadore College President Babara Taylor reserved comment on several issues involving the vote, citing anything said before or during the vote is speculation. Taylor explained that the colleges will not act until the vote is finalized.

“The colleges themselves are involved in the process but on the sidelines until the vote is finalized and/or if the vote meets the necessary percentage numbers. We respect the process and will comply with the decision whenever it is made,” Taylor said.

Sheryl Stronach, a ‘casual’ employee (one who has less than steady work) at Canadore, has worked with the school for five years. Stronach worked at the school’s campus book shop before being laid off. She now works as a casual employee as a switchboard operator. Her own situation might improve with a union, Stronach said.

“I have to wait for job postings to go through 'internal' first before I apply (meaning full-timers get first crack at that position). I don’t get benefits like vacation pay. I just have my wage. It is a good wage but if I had a union behind me I would have more backing to help me out,” Stronach explained.

Part-time workers in Ontario’s colleges first received the right to unionize in Fall 2008 and this vote is the first time those workers have exercised that right to decide. Taylor said it’s all within workers rights to proceed with the vote under the Colleges Collective Bargaining Act.

“It is OPSEU that has gone forward with securing the right for part-timers to unionize. We will just wait and see what it outcome is,” Taylor said.

Should those workers unionize, Taylor said Canadore might have to look for more help from Queen’s Park due to the college’s already-tight money situation.

“Canadore College is operating on a deficit already. If there are any additional costs or expenses we have to incorporate, we’ll look to the provincial government for assistance. ”