As of September 11, a full walk-out strike has been called by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing full-time support staff at colleges across Ontario.
We have created the following frequently asked questions, which have been adapted from the Student FAQ developed by the College Employer Council, the bargaining agent for Ontario’s public colleges.
We will continue to provide updates as they become available. For information about what’s happening at Centennial, please regularly check your myCentennial email, this website and our social media posts. You can also find general information about contract negotiations at Bargaining | College Employer Council - CEC and at Colleges – OPSEU SEFPO.
A strike may take different forms. In general, it is a refusal to work in the normal way that is designed to slow down, disrupt, or stop college operations.
A strike is organized by a union as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to force the colleges to agree to their demands. There are different forms of strikes: work-to-rule, partial walk-out, rotating strike, and full walk-out strike.
At the colleges, strikes are usually peaceful forms of protest. Picket lines may be formed by striking employees and there can be delays while entering campuses.
During the strike, Centennial will remain open, with some service adjustments. Your classes will continue, with some potential changes such as moving temporarily to online delivery. You will be informed about any changes. Many services are supported by full-time support staff, and you should expect delays and changes to how you request and access student services.
Stay informed by regularly checking your myCentennial email, your course shell on Centennial Luminate, Centennial College’s web page dedicated to full-time support staff negotiations and social media posts.
Full-time support staff provide a wide range of student services, and more, that are impacted during a strike. Centennial College will remain open; however, students should expect delays and disruptions to many services. We may need to temporarily adjust how certain services are delivered, and some classes could transition to an online format.
For up-to-date information about how you can access student supports and services during the strike, view the Student Supports and Services document. Due to limited staffing, resolutions may take longer than usual. Where necessary, certain requests may only be fully resolved once normal operations resume.
We understand that this may cause inconvenience, and we’re committed to minimizing the impact as much as possible. We’ll keep students informed and provide updates regularly to help you navigate any changes.
Services provided by the Centennial College Student Association, Inc. (CSAI) like the food bank, health and dental insurance, clubs and organizations, legal services, the Student Centre, and the Athletic and Wellness Centre will continue to be available.
Notice about Library Fines during the Strike
During the current strike, library returns may be difficult. Please note that no fines will be charged for items borrowed and returned late during this period. If a fine does appear in your account, it will be waived once returns are processed.
Students can access many of the student services available to them by submitting a request on Centennial Access to Student Services (CASS). These requests are being monitored and actioned, and you will receive updates as we work on your request.
Please note:
Due to limited staffing, resolutions may take longer than usual. Where necessary, certain requests may only be fully resolved once normal operations resume. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
If you're unsure where to go for help, you can email the Student Experience Office at studentexperience@centennialcollege.ca. They’ll help guide you to the right support.
Other services may temporarily adjust how you can access support as well. Continue to check this website, your myCentennial email, and your Centennial Luminate course shells to stay up to date.
No, all classes are continuing as scheduled. The strike does not involve professors or instructors, so they will keep teaching (though some in-person classes may be moved temporarily online). The strike involves full-time support staff - individuals who work in student services, and more. Some also support labs, placements, or clinical learning. Our Faculties have strong academic continuity plans in place to reduce impacts on learning. We’ll notify you if anything changes, so continue to check your myCentennial email, your course shell on Centennial Luminate, and this website.
Yes, campuses will remain open during a strike. If you plan to visit campus, leave extra time for travelling to the College as picket lines may be set up at campus entrances and limit traffic flow. Make sure you are familiar with the guidelines for crossing a picket line to keep our campuses safe and respectful.
If you take transit to campus, be aware that transit buses may alter drop-off locations. Refer to the TTC, GO Transit, or your transit provider’s website for any service updates.
During the strike, we are not in a position to keep our child-care centres running, as we are not able to meet the staff-to-child ratios required of us by the Ministry of Education. Therefore, these centres are temporarily closed effective the first day of the strike and for as long as it lasts. No fees will be charged during the closure period.
They can last for a day or for an extended period of time. In 2017, the Union engaged in a full walk-out strike that lasted for more than 5 weeks. Students were still able to complete their semester. You can see the latest negotiation updates on our 2025 Full-time Support Staff Contract Negotiations page.