The Toronto Star reports that staff and faculty unions have filed at least six grievances against Fleming College and St Lawrence College, calling for the colleges’ merger to be put on hold. “Our collective agreement has employment stability language, where there should be ongoing discussions about upcoming changes and things that may impact the workforce,” explained Marcia Steeves of OPSEU Local 351, which represents Fleming support staff. OPSEU is seeking an order “directing the responding parties to cease and desist from the planned merger/amalgamation/integration” until staffing issues are addressed. It has also launched an unfair labour practice complaint against the College Employer Council, which CEC CEO Graham Lloyd said is unfounded. The colleges and unions are reportedly waiting for an arbitration date for the grievances.
