“We want to see the provincial government play more of a leadership role and not leaving the colleges, and the students especially, out to hang dry, and we need to see that action very quickly.”
“The evidence shows that for every two percent increase in the number of college students enrolled, there is a corresponding one percent decrease in full-time faculty. This decline in quality is unacceptable, and unless the deterioration stops now, it will only get worse.”
“Administrators have said they want to increase services for students — not hire more faculty. But having qualified, full-time teachers in the classroom is a service — it's the very heart of our education system.”
“We've heard reports of students meeting with their instructors on the subway as their teachers dash off to other jobs. How can we claim to provide a quality education when faculty members often have neither an office nor a desk?”
“What we're seeing is just the tip of the iceberg. Last year, college presidents made it clear to the Ontario government that at least $150 million in additional funding was required for the current year — just to stop the steady decline in quality. Yet colleges received $50 million less than required just to maintain the status quo, never mind making improvements.”
“In this context, it is outrageous that the Ontario government is preparing to increase college tuition fees next September. Why should Ontario families keep paying higher and higher fees for less and less quality?”
“Voluntary binding arbitration, if accepted, would end the strike immediately. Both parties would agree on an arbitrator who would, after a serious evaluation of the positions of both parties, provide an informed resolution to the dispute that has kept students out of their classes since March 7 . This process would be trusted by both faculty and management and would bring the best results for all parties.”
“Back-to-work legislation is not an option that will work in the interests of students. If imposed, there will be absolutely no trust in the process since back-to-work legislation could impose not only an arbitrator, but even a contract. In this case, students will likely not see improvements in the faculty student ratio - this would be serious set-back in the quality of college education.”
“Furthermore, like any legislation, before becoming law back-to-work legislation must go through three readings in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, not to mention possible committee hearings. Given that Thursday is Budget Day this option can only prolong the strike and keep students out of their classes unnecessarily.”
