As job action continues, another rally was held to show solidarity with support workers at Belleville’s Loyalist College this afternoon.
As of last Thursday, 10,000 full-time college support staff hit the picket lines across Ontario, fighting to protect the future of student supports and public education in Ontario.
That includes about 160 support staff at Loyalist College.
Tim Prewer, President of OPSEU Local 421, said they are trying to get ongoing talks with their employer council, saying they currently do not have a deal.
“Right now, we don’t have a deal. We don’t have any information of being close to a deal. So, we will be out here until we get a deal and come back inside and help everybody,” Prewer said.
“We’re just looking for solidarity and getting the community involved. We’re trying to save everything for the community. If Loyalist College doesn’t exist anymore, things will become worse and worse.”
Tracy Mackenzie, President of OPSEU Local 420 at Loyalist College, the past year has been ‘hell’.
“We have had a very difficult year, obviously there have been announcements for a significant number of faculty layoffs, we’re anticipating a loss of up to 50% since last fall, and our support staff colleagues are out here really fighting for the future of post-secondary education,” said Mackenzie.
“That’s why we’re out here today, fighting for the future of post-secondary education. We had another rally on Monday as well, but we’re just trying to draw attention, to make sure the community knows, the government knows, we’re trying to get our message out there loud and clear,”
“Something has got to give in order for post-secondary education to thrive.”
The college remains open for classes.
(HAILEY MACDONALD)
