EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this article did not clarify only full-time active support staff were offered voluntary exit incentive packages
Fresh off a province-wide strike by college support staff, Conestoga College is now offering those workers a voluntary exit incentive package.
All full-time, active support staff at Conestoga were given the option to either accept the package or not; however, what happens if they don’t take it is unclear.
The package would include one week’s salary for each year worked, along with a 1.5 per cent enhancement in severance that the college is providing.
Vikki Poirier, president of OPSEU Local 238, representing support staff at the college, was a guest on The Mike Farwell Show and said they have no idea what would happen if the workers turn down the offer.
“I’m extremely concerned,” said Poirier. “I’m extremely concerned about both sides of the table. For faculty as well as support staff packages and how they affect our student experience, because that work needs to be done. Who will do that work?”
While support staff mull over their options, as many as 200 faculty jobs could be on the chopping block.
A college employment stability committee has been meeting to determine how many faculty will need to be let go. Poirier said, while she isn’t at the table in this case, she’s sat through meetings like that before.
“My experience during those meetings is that you are trying to save as many jobs as possible, and at times, there are no places for people to go. It’s a long process, and there are many questions that need to be asked.”
For Poirier, the questions keep coming. She said the communication from the college has been severely lacking.
“I’m calling on the leaders of the college to provide some information and direction on what is taking place. Over the last two weeks, there was the silent firing of administrative staff that caused upheave and questions.”
Tired of being left in the dark, Poirier took matters into her own hands and emailed college leadership.
“In that email I have requested that there be a town hall. That there be a clear understanding and forthcoming of what is transpiring. Especially from our president at the college.”
President and CEO, John Tibbits is on his way out. His contract expires at the end of the year, and the board of governors has been working on a succession plan.
Despite a sizable budget surplus this year, Conestoga College has been laying off faculty and support staff amid massive declines in enrollment because of the federal cap on international students.
In an email to CityNews, the college mentions the decline in enrollment.
“Conestoga, like institutions across the sector, has been required to adjust its operations and staffing levels throughout 2025 to respond to these financial and enrolment pressures in a responsible and sustainable way,” it reads. “Conestoga continues to review staffing in all areas to ensure alignment with Conestoga’s strategic priorities, Ministry expectations, and the evolving needs of our students, employees, partners and communities.”
