Members Deliver Strong Strike Mandate 

76% Vote in Favour 

Members came together Wednesday, September 23, and Thursday, September 24, to review the University’s latest position that was communicated to WLUSA/OSSTF at the conciliation meeting on Tuesday, September 15. 

Following a review of the University’s offer, members engaged in a strong and wide-ranging discussion about the state of bargaining and what needs to happen next. Members spoke openly about workload, compensation, and the growing pressures they are experiencing both at work and at home. 

A clear theme emerged from those discussions: members want to feel that their work is respected and valued. 

Members described feeling overworked and tired, while continuing to provide the services and support students rely on every day. They raised concerns that the current offer does not adequately recognize the work they perform or the contribution they make to the University. 

Compensation was also a significant concern. Members pointed to increases received by other employee groups and unions and to the University’s reported financial position as they considered whether the current offer reflects the value of their work. 

Members also spoke about the financial pressures facing working people, including the rising cost of groceries, gas, mortgage payments and commuting. For employees already working within the lower end of the University’s compensation structure, these increases are having a real impact. 

These discussions led to a strong result. 

76% of members voted in favour of providing the Bargaining Team with a strike mandate. 

The vote does not mean that a strike is taking place now. Rather, members have given their Bargaining Team a clear mandate as negotiations continue. The message from members was equally clear: they are prepared to stand together to seek a collective agreement that recognizes the importance of their work. 

Staff Are Part of Student Success 

Our members work across the University in roles that are essential to the student experience and to the day-to-day operation of the institution. 

They include Accessible Learning Support Staff, Library Support Staff, Nurses, Athletic and Residence Support Staff, Facilities Project and Support Staff, Academic Advisors, Lab Coordinators, Faculty Administrative Support Staff, IT professionals, Shipping and Receiving employees and Ancillary Support Staff. 

For many students, our members are among the first people they meet when they need help. They provide academic support, administrative assistance, technical expertise, health and accessibility services, facilities support and countless other services that help students navigate university life and work toward their degrees. 

That work matters. 

Members have told the Bargaining Team that they want a contract that recognizes their contribution to the University and to student success. 

Back to the Bargaining Table 

The Bargaining Team will take the mandate from members back to the bargaining table as negotiations continue. 

The team remains ready to meet with the University and will continue to communicate members’ concerns and priorities. Members will receive further updates as negotiations progress, while the Union continues to respect the confidentiality necessary during bargaining. 

If the University does not request an earlier meeting, the next scheduled bargaining date is Friday, October 2, 2026, with an Ontario government-appointed mediator. 

The strike mandate demonstrates that members are engaged, informed and prepared to stand together as bargaining continues. 

Our work matters. Our members matter. And our members have spoken.