Published Oct. 12 2017

Updated Oct. 16 2017

In-person classes at Haliburton School of Art and Design have been suspended as of Monday Oct. 16.

"The union has advised that college faculty are on strike as of 12:01 a.m. Oct. 16" the Fleming College website reads.

While classes have been suspended Haliburton campus's building remains open from Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

"It is important to note that never in the 50-year history of the college system in Ontario has a student lost a year because of a labour disruption" a statement from Fleming College reads.

OPSEU representing the staff stated in a negotiations bulletin that "the employer's so-called 'final offer' is a poisoned pill. It fundamentally undermines the quality and fairness we have been working toward in this round of bargaining."

Key issues identified in the bulletin include protecting full-time jobs outsourcing salaries academic freedom and job security among others.

OPSEU represents staff at 24 public colleges in Ontario and has been negotiating with the College Employer Council which bargains on behalf of the province's colleges.