Strike Q&A for Students

Full-Time Support Staff at colleges across Ontario are in a strike position for September 11th, 2025. This includes approximately 400 full-time support staff at Mohawk.

We are fighting for our job security to make sure students have the support and services they need and deserve. Cuts to college programs and services mean cuts to our jobs, and leave students waiting longer for fewer services, or travelling farther to access the programs they want. 

Workers have the right to negotiate with their employer to improve their working conditions. A work stoppage, such as a strike, is a tool we may use to put pressure on the employer to address our demands. 

Here are some things you should know: 

• We will have safe and visible picket lines at Fennell campus, Stoney Creek campus, and the Institute of Applied Health Sciences. 

• We may stop you for a brief discussion about what we're fighting for, but our goal is not to inconvenience you. 

• We invite you to join us on the picket line or write an email to President Paul Armstrong, encouraging him to reach a fair deal with us so we can return to work quickly. 

You can read more from the Ontario Public Sector Employees Union at the following pages:

• Student FAQ

• Full-Time Bargaining

• Part-Time Bargaining (includes student employees)

Questions & Answers

• Will classes continue?

Yes. Faculty, counsellors and librarians will continue to work and teach.

• Will labs, clinicals, placement, or experiential learning be impacted?

Your program area will communicate with you directly. Many of these activities are coordinated or led by Support Staff, which means they will be impacted. 

• How will this impact my registration and tuition payments/OSAP

Full-time staff working in the Registrar's office will not be available during a strike, and there will be some disruption to services available to you. We ask that you remain patient with our Part-time colleagues. No student has ever lost a semester as a result of labour action. 

• What services will be impacted?

Colleges can't run without Support Staff. We keep the wifi running, make sure you've got the equipment you need to learn, match you to field placements, keep the grounds in order, process your registrations, order your books, and so much more. All of these services and supports will be impacted in some way during a strike.
The point of labour action is to make the employer realize how much they depend on us to encourage them to reach a fair deal that protects our jobs and your support for the future.

• Who do I connect with for help?

Your program area coordinator and the MSA can continue to provide assistance.

• What can I do to help?

Join us on the picket line! 

Visit SaveOurColleges.ca to join the campaign and send a letter to your Member of Provincial Parliament to encourage the government to provide more funding to keep Colleges public.

Email your Dean or President Paul Armstrong to encourage them to return to the table to reach a fair deal that protects student supports.