OPSEU members in Welland told to change their life with a week’s notice

Six teachers at "Collège des Grands Lacs" campus in Welland were told by management they had a week to accept a transfer in Toronto or else they were considered to have resigned. Two support staff are still in limbo, they don’t know where they’re going next week. Management sent a letter to inform teachers on July 28.

President of local 272 Julie Gigliotti said, "I think management acted in bad faith. They purposely kept us in the dark. Their decision shows a lack of respect, there was no consultation, a lot of people are on holiday, the President and the Dean of Collège des Grands Lacs were out of the country when the decision was announced."

Gigliotti added, "the mission of the college states very clearly that it must provide services to centre and south west regions. By eliminating post-secondary programs in Welland and Windsor they’re going against the mission they were supposed to maintain.

OPSEU President Leah Casselman said "Where was the new minister responsible for francophones, John Baird, when the decision was made to stop dispensing post-secondary programs in Welland and Windsor. They eliminated the same programs last year in Hamilton and Penetanguishene. Is it becoming a trend to stop servicing francophones in the province?"

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For further information:

Julie Gigliotti: 905-354-0098

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