In a record vote, unionized faculty across Ontario's 24 public colleges have voted in favour of a strike.
On Friday, the Ontario Public Services Employees Union (OPSEU) said 79 % of its members voted "yes" to go on strike, if necessary.
OPSEU said 76% of its members cast their ballots.
"An overwhelming majority of over 15,000 members have made it clear that we will not accept a contract rife with concessions," said Acting Chair of the College Faculty Bargaining Team, Michelle Arbour. "We're fighting for a shared future where students and faculty can both thrive."
The union said the two sides have been apart on wages, workload and job security.
It also said it is hopeful a deal can be reached with the College Employer Council's (CEC).
"If we want to see our colleges restored to institutions of excellence, we need to put our trust in people with skin in the game," said President of OPSEU, JP Hornick.
The CEC said it has offered mediation-interest arbitration and that a strike of any kind is unnecessary.
The union's contract expired on Oct.1.
A strike date has not been announced.