At 11:59 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, Georgian College joined colleges across Ontario in a strike led by support staff, who were calling for stronger job security. The walkout was part of a coordinated action across the province, highlighting the growing strain on post-secondary institutions and the workers who keep them running.

Earlier this year, new provincial legislation reduced the number of international students permitted to enroll, prioritizing domestic admissions over international admissions instead. While the policy aimed to address housing and enrollment pressures, it also created significant financial challenges for colleges. Since international students bring in higher tuition revenues, the shift has reduced funding for certain college programs and staff, among the hardest hit.

Support staff play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of colleges. Their work extends far beyond administrative duties: they assist students with everything from navigating services to securing field placements and co-op opportunities, ensuring that academic programs function smoothly and that students receive the help they need to succeed. Without them, the student experience suffers.

Angela Foster, President of Local 349, joined the picket line outside Georgian College to stand with her fellow union members. She emphasized that the strike is about more than protecting jobs—it is about protecting students’ access to essential supports.

“The more support staff that lose their jobs, the fewer supports there are for students,” Foster said. “We are out here and we will stay out here until we have language in our collective agreement that strengthens and does not reduce the job security language.”

For Foster and her colleagues, the issue is about stability and respect. They argue that cuts to support staff compromise the very foundation of student success, and that the long-term consequences will be felt not only by workers but by every student who depends on their guidance and expertise. The strike, they say, is a stand for fairness, security, and the future of Ontario’s college system.