Support Staff Strike at Loyalist College: What’s Next for Our Education System?
- Small Town Productions
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
(Belleville, Ontario, CA)
Yesterday, September 11, 2025, support staff at Loyalist College organized and rallied out front of the campus, joining thousands across Ontario in a province-wide strike. As seen in the video above, staff lined the entrance with signs, standing together to make their message clear, support staff are essential to the college system, and they are demanding to be heard.
We went down to the campus to see the action firsthand. By the time we arrived, a strong group of staff were gathered with signs in hand, joined by faculty members in solidarity. The sense of unity was evident, as was the determination of staff to have their concerns addressed.
The strike follows a practice rally held the evening before to build momentum. Despite the walkout, Loyalist College has kept campuses open, and classes are continuing. Students and visitors have been advised to expect delays at campus entrances and some disruptions to services, including limited library access.
At the heart of the strike are three main issues, job security, fair wages, and funding priorities. Support staff say they have faced shrinking ranks, stagnant wages that lag behind inflation, and uncertainty about future positions. They are also concerned about government money being directed into private training through the Skills Development Fund, instead of strengthening the public college system.
On the other side, the College Employer Council (CEC), which negotiates on behalf of Ontario’s 24 public colleges, argues that some of the union’s proposals would create significant financial strain. They emphasize the need to balance budgets while maintaining sustainable operations across all campuses.
Representatives stress that compromises will be necessary to keep the college system functioning effectively, union leaders counter that their demands are fair and reasonable, highlighting the essential role of support staff and the pressures they face in their day-to-day work.
During our visit, it was clear that the staff feel a strong sense of pride in their work. They are the backbone of Loyalist, supporting admissions, IT, labs, student services, and daily operations.
Without them, the college experience for students would not function as smoothly, and programs, access to services, and day-to-day campus life could face disruption if the strike continues.
The question now is not only whether union leaders and the CEC can reach an agreement, but also what this moment means for the future of Ontario’s public colleges and for the students who depend on them.
What do you think is next for our college system?
To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news
Link for Donations
We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.
Comments