TORONTO, ONTARIO–(EMWNews – Aug. 11, 2008) – The bargaining team representing college support staff head back to the bargaining table for the first time since attaining a strong strike vote.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union’s bargaining team received a strike mandate of 69 per cent in a July vote. At the same time, almost 80 per cent of the members who voted rejected the employer’s latest offer.

In the wake of this strong vote, the union’s negotiating team is looking forward to getting back to the table to resume contract talks in hopes of avoiding a September strike.

“Our hope is that after seeing the strike mandate our members have given us, management will come back to the table and put forward an improved offer,” said Rod Bemister, chair of bargaining for OPSEU.

“Our members are looking for the same percentage wage increase offered to other employees of the colleges.”

OPSEU represents 6,500 college support workers in 24 colleges across Ontario. The current collective agreement expires Aug. 31.