Ontario labour movement stands with striking college educators

'I want to thank you for standing up for quality education in this province.' - Larry Brown

Ottawa (24 March 2006) - Activists in the Ontario labour movement joined forces with students across the province Thursday to show support for striking college educators.

Solidarity rallies, backing a call for better quality education, took place at all 24 community colleges in Ontario. The striking faculty members are represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE).

Larry Brown, national secretary-treasurer of the National Union of Public and General Employees, thanked educators at a rally at Algonquin College in Ottawa for the strong stand they are taking.

"You have the support of the 340,000 members of your National Union. In particular, college educators from across Canada want to send you a strong message of solidarity," Brown said.

Solidarity Rally at Algonquin College in Ottawa

Kenneth Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, echoed the sentiment.

"We are told that our economy needs a well-trained and educated workforce. Well, you are the people who care about that education and are willing to fight for it," Georgetti said.

The Ottawa rally took place against a backdrop of news that Algonquin is planning to reopen some classes by using management and scabs.

Doug Brandy, president of the OPSEU local 415 at Algonquin College, put college president Robert Gillett on notice that the faculty members will not accept such a course of action by the college..

"Robert Gillett has not been a positive force in this labour disruption," Brandy said. "I am calling for his resignation and this local is going to do everything in its power to see that he does.... Algonquin's president has made statements that show little regard for students' interests and no respect for those of us on strike." NUPGE