September 16, 2025

By: Cass & Kass

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Welcome to our new Newsletter: Strike Talk.

This is the place where we will provide weekly updates, resources, news, and highlights from the lines. 

Week Two – Back to the Lines

Last week, you showed up and stood up for Our Colleges! Thank you for coming out to Conestoga’s Kitchener Doon campus last Thursday and Friday to show the college, as well as the community, that we’re not going to back down from the good fight.

Fast forward to week two. 

We’re finding a new normal for right now, which will be picketing at college campuses closer to your home base. We appreciate every physical step you take on the line and those helping behind the scenes – you all matter!

 Be sure to tag us on social media if you post about your time on the line. You can tag us at @opseulocal238 – you can also use some of these trending hashtags for the strike:

•  #OPSEU

• #SaveOurColleges

• #MyStudentsNeedMe

•  #Solidarity

•  #WhenWeFightWeWin

Tips for ‘Walking the Strike Line’

A lot of us are new to picketing, so here is some information to help:

 Keep moving between two set points! Moving can look like walking across the driveway of your assigned spot in a single file, keeping only a few feet from the next person in line. Be sure to loop back and forth for maximum coverage.

Patrol the Assigned Area: Keep an eye out for your colleagues, watch who is in the space, and above all - stay safe!

Ensure the picket line is clean: Strike captains will be provided with trash bags.

Actions You Can Do:

• Stop vehicles for short periods of time (up to 5 minutes).

• Chant, use whistles, cheer, and carry signs.

• Talk to your coworkers and those crossing the line.

• Hand out pamphlets.

• Draw messages with chalk on the sidewalks.

• Take care of yourself! Stretch, drink water, laugh, dance - we need to keep our morale up! 

When Holding Up a Car:

We are only holding cars coming IN to campus. No need to stop them if they are leaving. Please follow the direction of your captain and refer any safety concerns their way.

Meet the People Making Things Happen!

The incredible turnout on the lines, communications, accommodations, scheduling, and financial logistics wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team of volunteers! 

All of these members work full-time jobs and have volunteered their free time (some outside of the required 20 hours of strike duties) and efforts to support Our Fight. 

We are stronger together!

A shout out to:

Strike Committee: Local President - Vikki Poirier, Strike Committee Chair - Scott Jones, Finance Chair- Elizabeth Record, Accommodations Chairs - Julie Gibson + Jen Riehl, Communications Chair- Kassandra Caporiccio

Strike Captains: Shan,  Tabitha,  Nisha, Will,  Alisha, Liz, Rebecca, Lauren, Lee, Katie, Rowan,  Andrew, Jenna, Melissa, Michelle, Mike, Laurie, Alicia, Johanna,  Kristen, Saurabh, Amanda, Harmony, Bryan, Jason, Pam, Tracy [And more who are still in training!]

Scheduling Team: Kyla, Amal, Catherine, Sandra

Accommodations Team:  Kaitlyn, Emily, Keira, Amanda, Katie, Andrea, Jennifer, Liz, and Cheri

Finance Team: Sandra, Lisa, Tracey, Jen, Niki

Communications Team: Cass, Barb, Steve, Wesley, Raven, Katlynd

Our amazing drivers: Debbie, Shermin, Amal, and more

What Next? Learn More Online

If you’re looking to read about what is happening in bargaining meetings, visit our website to learn more. Our site has access to:

• Bargaining Updates

• Strike FAQs

• Member Portal: Direct Deposit Guide

The OPSEU Local 238 website also has all you need to know about what to bring with you and where to go for the picket line closest to you. At the bottom of the page, you can find documents to download that include strike chants and guidelines on how to make your own picket sign!

 Important Date: September 24 – Have Your Say

Keep up to date on the upcoming vote regarding our Strike Contingency Fund. The date of the meeting is Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST. 

More information for the meeting will be released this Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – one week away from the meeting.

If you have yet to register for the meeting, please do so here.

September 24, 2025

-Wesley & Kass

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Thank you to everyone for supporting one another on the picket lines. You are all doing an incredible job, and during this difficult time, we see you, we hear you, and we are in this together. These times can create new personal challenges, especially with finances and overall well-being. 

Our incredible Finance Committee and our Community Resource Support Group have diligently compiled some resources to support us during this strike action.

These include:

• Letters to your bank

• Tips to save money

• Community Resource Group supports

• Region 2's Hardship Fund

• Your Health and Well-being  

Bank Letters

OPSEU has provided letters to help you verify your financial standing with your bank. If you are using these letters, please make sure you personalize them for your unique situation.

Verification of Your Financial Standing Due To The Strike

If you wish to submit a letter to your bank, please see below for links to your particular institution.

Important Notes Before Proceeding

• Open and personalize each letter according to your individual circumstance.

• Specify if you hold a credit card, mortgage, loan, or a combination of these items.

• Outline the fixed start and end dates. More details and instructions on this step appear in each bank letter below.

List of Each Bank’s Letters

• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

• Scotiabank

• TD Canada Trust

• Bank of Montreal (BMO)

• CIBC

My bank requires a hard copy letter. What if I can’t access a printer?

If you don’t have access to a printer, you may use your local library’s printers (e.g., Cambridge Public Library, Kitchener Public Library, Waterloo Public Library, Guelph Public Library, Stratford Public Library and Brantford Public Library) for a nominal fee. The cost for black-and-white copies typically ranges from $0.10 to $0.25 per page.

Tips to Save Money

Re-arrange expenses with your bank and credit card companies

• Ask your bank to re-arrange payments on your mortgage, loan(s) and any other expenses.

• Discuss interest rates and potential relief with individual credit card companies.

Ways to help you save on groceries

• Flip App: https://flipp.com

• Reebee: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reebee.reebee&hl=en_CA

• Region of Waterloo Rent Bank:            https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/help-paying-rent.aspx

Food Bank Resources

• Cambridge Food Bank: cambridgefoodbank.org

• Waterloo Region Food Bank: thefoodbank.ca

• Guelph Food Bank: guelphfoodbank.ca

• Stratford Food Bank: www.hpph.ca

Community Resource Group   

We have a group of Local 238 volunteers available to help you connect to community resources.

If you would like to request a one-on-one meeting with a volunteer, please contact local238communityresources@gmail.com with your name and city, and a committee member will reach out to you. 

These meetings are intended for users seeking guidance and navigation through the community resources and supports provided. Please note that one-on-one meetings do not provide additional monetary assistance or direct financial support.

Community Resource By City:

• Resources by City

• KW+ Cambridge

• Stratford

• Brantford

• Guelph

• Halton

• Peel

Regional Hardship Fund

The Regional Hardship Fund is an OPSEU/SEFPO program that provides emergency financial assistance to dues‑paying members (including retired members meeting certain criteria) in serious need, with applications reviewed by regional committees under set criteria and subject to budget availability. 

To apply or get more information, visit the Regional Hardship Fund page to find contact details for your OPSEU/SEFPO Regional Office and full application guidelines.

Please note: If you are applying to this fund you MUST include proof of hardship with your application. 

Your Health and Well-being

Benefits

Some excellent news is that our benefits continue as they are for the duration of the strike! Please make sure you are using them as you need them. 

EFAP

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. If you're in need of support, Homewood Health is here to help. As your dedicated Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider, they offer confidential and professional support for whatever you're facing—anytime you need it.

Learn more or reach out today:
Homewood EFAP Services

October 2, 2025
-Wesley & Kass
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Over the past three weeks, we’ve all come together to fight for the survival of Ontario’s colleges. Members, students, faculty, elected leaders and other unions have advocated for this cause and want to see us reach our goals.

We want to thank everyone for doing a remarkable job on the picket lines and serving on the various Local 238 committees. As we continue to support you in our journey, see this week’s newsletter for:

• More Community Resource Opportunities - Continued from Sept. 24th

• Budgeting Workshops

• Good Vibes from the Picket Lines

This Week’s Resource Roundup: Help with Groceries, Carpooling and Family Activities

1. Family Fun on a Budget
   Explore this helpful regional guide filled with free or low-cost activities for families.

Please note: Times and availability may change seasonally. Please check your city’s website (e.g., Cambridge, Kitchener, Stratford, etc.) or EarlyON calendars before heading out.

2. Interested in Carpooling?
   Help us plan by filling out the Carpool Interest Form to share your needs and availability.

3. From Picket Line to Pantry
   Browse this creative recipe book and grocery resource, filled with budget-friendly meals and tips.

4. Free Budgeting Workshops
   Join an upcoming session hosted by The Credit Counselling Society — view the schedule and info.

A Shout-out to our Supporters

We have had an amazing show of community on the lines and support us through donations of food, time, supplies, and funds. 

We wanted to take the time to shout out to those amazing people and groups who came out for us!

• The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) 

• Jim and Gloria Hett

• Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA)

• OPSEU Local 237

• Terry Rocke 

• Melissa Leacy 

• Conestoga Students Inc. CSI 

• Nate Smith 

• Prerna Somali

• Raymond Darukhanawalla 

• Anonymous donor - Tim Hortons card
  
  

October 8th, 2025

Maren, Kass, & Wesley

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We’ve made it to week five on the line! Your energy, commitment, and solidarity continue to shine through. Every day on the picket line makes our message louder: we are not backing down from what is right for us, our students, and Ontario’s colleges.

With information moving rapidly and sometimes changing during a strike, it’s easy to lose track of how we got here. Let’s take a moment to pause, look back, and break down each step together.

How is the Union Organized?

OPSEU (Ontario Public Service Employees Union) has three main levels, each playing an important role:

• Provincial (Big OPSEU)

  • This is the central body, headquartered in Toronto. It coordinates union-wide bargaining and strategy, oversees policy, provides staff resources, supports legal and communications efforts, and ensures consistency across Ontario.

• Regional

  • OPSEU is divided into seven geographical regions, with each region having multiple locals under it.

• The regions connect locals to the provincial level by organizing regional meetings and training, providing support services to locals, running mobilization and campaigns, and electing representatives to the OPSEU Executive Board.

• Local (that’s us!) 

  • Local members and officers make up a specific workplace or sector. They attend meetings, vote on local matters, bring forward workplace issues, participate in committees, and support collective actions like picketing.

  • The local executive team at Conestoga comprises of colleague-elected support staff workers who continue to hold their full time positions while supporting the local. Presidents have full time book off, but every other position volunteers their time to support their colleagues. 

  • We are the frontline and door into the union’s life. In other words, the local is where the union meets the workplace and where real change begins!

How Does Bargaining Work?

The bargaining cycle is a structured, democratic cycle that starts with its members. You can learn more here. Here’s how we moved through each step this round:

1. Local Surveys are Taken: Members across the province were surveyed to identify workplace priorities and key issues.

2. Information Collected: Results were compiled from all locals to reflect the strongest, most common concerns.

3. Pre-Bargaining Delegates’ Meeting: Delegates voted on which issues would move forward, and elected the bargaining team that now represents us.

4. Bargaining Team Established: The elected team prepared to negotiate directly with the College Employer Council (CEC), guided by the issues chosen by our members.

5. Negotiations Begin: Our bargaining team presented our priorities while the employer put forward their proposals.

You can continue to track the strike’s progress through the CAAT-S FT bargaining hub https://opseu.org/caatsftbargaining/.

Where are we now?

As of today, our bargaining team continues to push the CEC to come back to the table. The team is ready and a mediator appointed from the Ministry of Labour is standing by. While we wait for movement, it’s important to remind everyone what we are fighting for.

At the core, we are pushing for (1) fair wages that keep up with inflation; (2) strong job security in the face of ongoing layoffs; (3) better benefits and leave provisions to support our families; (4) recognition of Indigenous Knowledge; and (5) an end to contracting out and managers replacing support staff work. These protections ensure stability, respect, and dignity in our workplaces. Without these improvements, our jobs, our students, and the future of Ontario’s public colleges are at risk.

The CEC has continued to push rhetoric that downplays our work, focusing on distractions and irrelevant things like managers “turning on the lights” instead of addressing the real issues at the table.

But the facts remain clear: our work is essential and our demands are both fair and necessary. With the push for negotiations, our solidarity on the line continues to be our greatest strength - it’s what keeps pressure at the table and moves us closer to winning. Now, more than ever, we need to keep showing up, keep standing together, and keep pushing.

We are Stronger Together

The dedication shown on the lines these past weeks has been nothing short of inspiring. Every member who walks, organizes, or works behind the scenes is part of the collective effort in making our voices impossible to ignore. 

Let’s carry this momentum forward. While the bargaining team continues their work at the table, we each have a pivotal role to play. Staying visible on the picket lines, keeping morale high, and amplifying our message in our communities will get us to the finish line.

You can also add your voice by supporting campaigns that call for fully-funded, high quality colleges:

• Save Their Futures

• Fund Ontario's Public Colleges | Leadnow.ca

Together, we will shape a stronger future for our members, our students, and for Ontario’s public colleges.

A Shout-Out to our Supporters

We have had an amazing show of community on the lines and support through donations of food, time, supplies, and funds. 

We want to thank those amazing people and groups who came out for us this past week!

• Robert Childerhose

• Crispy Slice

• Alan Morrison 

• Guelph and District Labour Council

• Wellington OECTA

• The Chef Signature Experience 

• Chelsea Boone 

• JR’s Country Farm Fresh Market 

• Bunsmaster Bakery 

• CUPE 1656 

October 14th, 2025

Emily, Wesley, & Kass
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Through these stressful times, our members have continued to fight every day for the future of Ontario’s colleges. You have all shown solidarity with the support staff and students we show up for, so we want to support you with feel-good family activities and positive pictures from the picket lines.

Fall Activities and Events

Brantford:

Outdoor & Nature Activities 

• SC Johnson Trail – Great for cycling or walking along the Grand River

• Lorne Park – Beautiful gardens and picnic spots

• Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant – 15 acres of scenic grounds

• Brant Conservation Area – Ideal for hiking and birdwatching

Guelph: 

Harvest Fun at Strom’s Farm & Bakery

• Running from Sept. 19 to Oct. 31, Wednesdays to Sundays

• While general admission applies, some areas like the market and pumpkin patches may be free to browse.

• Location: 5089 Wellington Road 32, Guelph

• Visit Strom's Farm • Plan a Visit

Milton: 

Chudleigh’s Farm (Halton Hills)

• Offers nature walks and animal areas 

• Some activities are free or low-cost.

• Location: 9528 Regional Rd 25, Milton

• Visit Chudleigh’s Farm’s website for a full list of activities and to purchase tickets.

Agencies in our region that offer emergency food hampers:

Kitchener-Waterloo, Brantford and Cambridge 

• House of Friendship

• Ray of Hope Marketplace Food Hamper

• The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

• Cambridge Food Bank

• Saint Vincent de Paul 

Guelph

• Guelph Food Bank

• Chalmers Community Services Centre

Milton

• Food for Life

Stratford

• Stratford House of Blessing

Halloween 

Cost Saving Tips

• Set a budget for candy and stick to it. Kids often enjoy the experience more than the quantity.

• Check second-hand stores and Facebook Marketplace for lower cost costumes.

• Watch flyers for deals on Halloween treats.

• Consider giving out non-food items such as pencils or glow sticks, which often cost less.

• Hand out items for lunches if there are leftovers, such as granola bars or bags of chips.

• Team up with family and friends to hand out candy together, splitting the cost.

• It’s okay not to give anything out for Halloween!

Community Events

Be sure to check for free community events (library parties, community center trick-or-treat, farm pumpkin patches with free entry).

Pumpkin Palooza, St. Jacobs Village

• All day Halloween event 

• Oct. 25, 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Check out the event website for more details

Halloween Hunt, Cambridge

• Oct. 25, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Trick or treating downtown Cambridge at local businesses

• Check out the event website for more details

Costume Swap, Tavistock

• Free kids costume swap event at IVY ROSE CREATIVE in Tavistock

• Running from October 10th - October 26th 

• Check out Ivy Rose's Facebook for more details

Downtown Halloween, Stratford

• Oct. 25, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

• Trick or Treat downtown Stratford at local businesses

• Check out the event website for more details 

Sutton Realty Pumpkin Giveaway, Stratford

• Oct. 21, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

• Free pumpkin for each family & popcorn

• Check out the event website for more details

Treats in the Streets, Waterloo

• Oct. 25, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

• Trick or Treat uptown Waterloo at local businesses

• Check out the event website for more details 

Halloween Movie Marathon

• Oct. 29, 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM

• Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge

• Check out the event website for more details

Pumpkin Carving

• Oct. 26, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

• Button Factory Arts, Waterloo

• Check out the event website for more details

Stanley Park Pumpkin Giveaway

• Oct. 23, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

• Stanley Park, Kitchener 

• Check out the event website

MPP Dixon’s Fall Festival 

• Oct. 18, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

• Steckle Heritage Farm, Kitchener

• Free pumpkins and other activities 

• RSVP here

Waterloo Library Pumpkin Carving Event 

• Oct. 25, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

• Free pumpkins and supplies to carve 

• *Only one pumpkin per family 

• More details and to register 

Diwali Activities and Events

Diwali (also called Divali or Deepavali) is a festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment. This is a time for the community to come together in prayer, charitable giving, fellowship and feasting, family gatherings, and lighting candles or clay oil lamps called “diyas”. In 2025, Diwali begins on Monday, October 20th, with celebrations continuing into Tuesday, October 21st.

Upcoming Events

Diwali Workshop: Decorate Your Own Diyas

October 16th from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

The Women's Centre of Halton, 1515 Rebecca Street #229, Oakville, ON 

FREE

Diwali Festival

October 18th (11:00 AM – 9:00 PM) - October 19th (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Toronto Premium Outlets, 13850 Steeles Avenue Halton Hills, ON L7G 0J1

FREE 

Celebrate Diwali: Bharatanatyam Dance Performance by AKnatyam

October 18th, 11:15 AM- 12:15 PM

Hazel McCallion Central Library, 301 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga, ON 

FREE

Bespoke Diwali Marketplace at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

October 19th, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

10 Huron Road, Kitchener, ON 

FREE

Bollywood Dance Party at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

October 19th, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

10 Huron Road, Kitchener, ON 

Admission: Tickets on sale now for $24 per person (children free) - registration required

Diwali Celebration with UW Mehfil (University of Waterloo’s South Asian Music Club)

October 24th 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario

Admissions start at 5:00 PM with donations

Shout Out to Our Supporters!

We have had an amazing show of community on the lines and support through donations of food, time, supplies, and funds. 

We want to thank those amazing people and groups who came out for us this past week!

• Local 237 

• Dominos Cambridge 

• Unifor - thank you for being so generous with your space 

• Home Depot - Gateway Park 

• The Kid Chocolatier

Picket Line Positivity

We appreciate all of the positivity and strong spirit our amazing members continue to show! Check out the photos below to see the fun and upbeat attitudes people are bringing to the picket lines.

We are hopeful that the end is in sight and our voices have been heard throughout this difficult time! Keep strong on the picket lines and remember to support one another.