To strike or not to strike?
That seems to be the question at the Durham College campus, as students, management and teachers wait and see if faculty members will vote ‘yes’ on the ballot that could change the academic year dramatically.
While the strike vote is today, it is clear from both students and management that the last thing colleges across the province need is an indefinite strike.
Management has made their stance clear. They can’t give any more money. The offer of an eight per cent salary increase over four years with no increase to their workload holds firm.
But the union representing faculty members of all Ontario colleges is striving for $218 million in additional requests.
It’s simply too much to handle right now.
With an already weak economy, a strike is the last thing this city needs. It’s the last thing the province needs.
In Oshawa, a lot Durham College’s enrolment this year is based on second career students, says Ken Robb, the vice-president of human resources for the college.
This means these students are trying to find another career. Many of them have either been laid off or have lost their job already because of the dwindling economy. This is their second chance.
If their year is put in jeopardy, then that means they face another blow. It also means they could lose out on job opportunities.
While it may be fair to say that faculty also don’t want to strike, when they head to the voting tables they may want to consider the ramifications.
Striking affects more than faculty members and students.
It affects an entire community.
And with Durham College being a huge part of Oshawa this community will be negatively impacted.
Let’s hope they vote ‘no’ on the ballot. Let’s hope school isn’t out.