Support staff at Ontario's community colleges have been on strike for two weeks, demanding job security amid significant cuts in the sector. The strike, which began on September 11, involves about 10,000 workers represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees’ Union (OPSEU).

The union claims that colleges have eliminated 10,000 jobs and 600 programs in the past year. Workers are seeking guarantees against staff reductions, campus mergers, and the contracting out of services. They also want restrictions on management and faculty tasks, such as turning off lights or checking for water leaks. The College Employer Council, which negotiates on behalf of the colleges, has rejected these demands, stating that meeting them would undermine the colleges' control and lead to unmanageable commitments.

The strike is seen as a symptom of broader issues within Ontario's skills-training system, which critics argue has been neglected by Premier Doug Ford's government. Since taking office, the Ford administration has allocated $2.5 billion for skills training outside the college system while cutting tuition by 10 percent and freezing it since 2019. This has limited the colleges' primary source of revenue, leading to financial strain.

The provincial government has provided minimal increases in provincial support grants, resulting in Ontario having the lowest funding per student in the country. The situation has been exacerbated by a reduction in the number of international students, who previously contributed significantly to college revenues.

While OPSEU and the College Employer Council have agreed to mediation, the union's demands for job protection cannot be resolved through mediation alone. The Ford government has maintained a distance from the negotiations, stating it is not a party to them, despite controlling funding for the college sector.

The government has announced a review of funding, which may offer some relief. Last year, it provided $1.3 billion over three years to support colleges and universities but has not allowed tuition increases or made significant permanent funding increases.

The government anticipates a 10 percent increase in college sector support next year, but many believe this is insufficient to ensure stability. In contrast, the Ford government has shown more interest in funding skills training through unions and private sector employers, committing $1 billion over three years to its Skills Development Fund.

OPSEU has criticized this approach, arguing that it diverts funds away from the community college system, which is essential for skills training in Ontario. The union has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Skills Development Fund and whether it favors certain groups over others.

As the strike continues, the government faces pressure to clarify its skills-training strategy and provide adequate support for the community college system, which is vital for the province's workforce development.