TORONTO - The two sides involved in a strike by support workers at Ontario's community colleges could be back at the bargaining table this weekend, spokesmen said Friday.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union said in a release that it had "substantially modified its demands in a bid to resume negotiations in the two-week old job action."
"By modifying our demands we demonstrated our commitment to the bargaining process and the students to return to contract talks," said Rod Bemister, who heads OPSEU's bargaining team.
The union said talks could resume as early as Saturday.
Gerry Barker, the chief negotiator for the colleges, said they are hoping the renewed talks will lead to a settlement of the walkout that started Sept. 1.
"What we're prepared to do is negotiate as long as it takes to get a deal done and hopefully that'll occur over this weekend," said Barker.
He wouldn't say if the colleges would modify their position.
The colleges' offer would see union members receive a 1.5 per cent salary increase for each of the first two years and 1.75 per cent in the third year.
The union has been seeking a three per cent annual wage increase and job protection against the schools' use of part-time and temporary hires.
OPSEU represents about 8,000 cleaners, food service staff, registration officers and other workers at the province's 24 colleges.
Striking workers marched in downtown Toronto earlier this week to demand new talks be held, and students also called for new negotiations.
The colleges have remained open during the strike, using management and non-unionized part-time staff.
"Students are happy to see both parties coming back to the table, but urge OPSEU and the (College Employers) Council to come to an agreement," said Brian Costantini, president of the College Student Alliance.
"Some students cannot afford another week without gaining access to specific support services -- their semesters are now in jeopardy," he said.
Barker said he didn't want to speculate on what impact the strike was having on campuses.
"This is now all about sitting down and getting a negotiated settlement," he said.
