Frustration is growing for full-time support staff at Lambton College who've now been on the picket line for three weeks.
Local 124 Vice President Jonathan Lawrence said workers are disappointed that mediation talks with the College Employer Council (CEC) broke down on Monday.
"I would like to make it clear that the impact that has been declared, was kind of a self imposed one," said Lawrence. "Our team has been pretty clear that job security is one of the largest priorities that our membership has. So, in seeking job security, any discussion that has been had at the table... has been shut down with regards to job security."
Lawrence said job security is what his team is looking for.
"That is what the other side is saying no to and that seems to be the barrier right now to reaching a deal," he said.
Lawrence said they were initially hopeful when mediation was announced.
"I've still got my fingers crossed that talks will continue, but the CEC knows what the terms are. They know that job security is very important to us... so the pathway is very clear there," Lawrence said.
About 10,000 full-time college support staff at all 24 Ontario public colleges, including Lambton, have been on strike since September 11.
Lawrence said there are close to 200 members directly impacted locally.
"It also indirectly impacts a lot of our part-time colleagues as well and unfortunately also the students," he said. "At the end of the day, we would much rather be in the college providing supports to our students. I'll go back and use the word frustrated again. To see the path that looks clear, [compared] to what it looks like to go back, and be so close and yet not quite there."
Lawrence said they appreciate the support they've received from the community.
-with files from Stephanie Chaves.
