FT Division Update: Building for the Future at the Local Level

To FT Support Members:

On May 30 and 31, more than 140 delegates, alternates, and observers from across the province gathered in person and online for a College Support Staff Full-Time Divisional Meeting.

This meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on our historic five-week strike in Fall 2025, discuss the realities facing members at each college, and chart a path forward for our next round of bargaining.

One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the adoption of new divisional procedures designed to strengthen our organizing capacity and bargaining readiness.

Drawing on the lessons learned during the 2025 strike, delegates overwhelmingly supported key procedural changes, with 95% voting in favour. These changes are intended to deepen member engagement, strengthen communication, and build workplace power across the division.

Two important new structures were established:

A Bargaining Advisory Committee (BAC)

The Bargaining Advisory Committee will provide advice and support to the Bargaining Team on:

• Bargaining priorities

• Member communications

• Engagement and mobilization strategies

  
  

Each local will be represented by two members: the highest-ranking full-time officer (or designate) and one elected member from the college.

A Standing Organizing Committee (SOC)

The Standing Organizing Committee will focus on year-round organizing efforts, including:

• Workplace engagement

• Leadership development

• Member organizing

• Building internal capacity across the division

  
  

The committee will consist of 48 members, with two representatives from each local.

Delegates recognized that protecting our jobs and strengthening our colleges requires coordinated action across all CAAT divisions. Building workplace power means working together with all our colleagues throughout the college sector.

In that spirit, we had representatives from the other CAAT divisions joined the meeting, including PT Support, PT/Sessional Faculty and FT Faculty.

Their participation reinforced the importance of emboldening our cross-divisional solidarity as we prepare for future challenges and bargaining opportunities.

Local Organizing Committees

A key part of this new strategy begins at the local level.

Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) with cross-divisional representation are being established at every college. These committees will play an essential role in strengthening member engagement, organizing around workplace issues, and building the power needed to support future bargaining goals.

More information about participation opportunities in our Local Organizing Committee will be shared in the coming months.

Divisional Elections

Elections were also held during the meeting for alternate positions on the Joint Insurance Committee (JIC).

Congratulations to the newly elected alternates:

• Lisa Lavigne, Local 349 (Georgian College)

• Ryan Morris, Local 243 (Niagara College)

• Lori Wilson, Local 353 (Durham College)

• David Coates, Local 731 (Confederation College)

• January Coward-McInerney, Local 241 (Mohawk College)

• Simon Langford, Local 124 (Lambton College)

  
  

Looking Ahead

The momentum created during the 2025 strike continues to shape the FT Support Staff division. The decisions made at this year's Divisional Meeting reflect a shared commitment to stronger organizing, greater member engagement, and a more coordinated approach to bargaining.

As we move forward together, these new structures will help ensure that members' voices remain at the centre of our labour and that we continue building the collective strength needed to meet the challenges ahead!