Local 349 Represented at PTSS–FT DivEx Event
May 30–31, 2026
Local 349 was proud to have members attend the recent PTSS–FT DivEx event, held May 30 and 31, 2026.
The event brought together support staff leaders and guests from across the college system to discuss the next phase of divisional organizing, bargaining preparation, committee structures, and the work needed to build stronger member power heading into future rounds.
The meeting also reflected on the recent full-time support staff strike, where the division recorded a strong strike vote and significant picket line participation. While important gains were made, the discussion also recognized that more organizing strength will be needed to win unresolved issues in future bargaining rounds.
Building Cross-Divisional Strength
A major theme of the event was the need for stronger coordination across all four CAAT divisions. The discussion included the importance of organizing committees at all 24 colleges, with representation from each division at each college.
The goal is to build stronger connections between full-time support, part-time support, faculty, and other college workers so members are better prepared for the next round of bargaining and future sector-wide challenges.
Committees and Structures Discussed
Committees and Structures Discussed
| Committee / Structure | What Was Discussed | Result / Status |
|---|
| Standing Organizing Committee — SOC | A new year-round organizing committee made up of members from each local. The committee would support workplace engagement, leadership development, workplace mapping, issue tracking, member turnout, organizing education, and coordination with DivEx, the bargaining team, and regional mobilizers. | The SOC proposal was discussed. An amendment correcting the size from 24 members to up to 48 members — two per local — passed. |
| Regional Organizers | Seven organizers would be selected through an expression-of-interest process to support organizing and bargaining preparation. | An amendment was proposed to require one organizer from each region. The transcript indicates the amendment was put to a vote and appeared not to pass. |
| Bargaining Advisory Committee — BAC | A proposed committee structure involving local representation to support bargaining preparation and communication. | The transcript identifies the BAC as part of the proposed divisional procedure changes. The specific final vote result was not fully captured in the transcript. |
| Committee Election Divisional Meeting | A new post-ratification meeting would be held specifically for electing divisional committee members, separate from the final demand-set meeting. | The new election meeting structure was approved in principle. An amendment removing the requirement that the same delegates attend the pre-bargaining conference, final demand-set meeting, and new committee election meeting passed. |
| Employee Relations Committee — ERC | A change was proposed to adjust the ERC composition so that more seats would be elected at large. | The proposed structure would have two seats from the bargaining team and three seats elected at large. The transcript notes no objections or amendments. |
| Divisional Executive — DivEx | A proposed change would have all five DivEx seats elected at large, rather than tied to specific committee roles. | The change was discussed. An amendment was also proposed to add a reserved equity-group seat, but the transcript does not capture the final outcome of that amendment. |
| Bargaining Debrief Meeting | A new post-ratification bargaining debrief meeting would allow members to review achieved demands, new language, lessons learned, and future organizing strategy. | The proposed meeting would take place within six months of ratification and include up to three delegates per local, along with team members, alternates, SOC members, regional organizers, BAC, and DivEx. |
Local 349 Representation
Local 349 was well represented in the broader divisional work connected to this event.
Public OPSEU/SEFPO records list Jacob Chevrier, Local 349, as elected to the Joint Classification Committee, and Lisa Lavigne, Local 349, as an alternate for the Joint Grievance Scheduling Committee, Divisional Executive, and Mobilizer Leave roles in the CAAT-S Full-Time divisional results.
It should also be noted that Lisa from Local 349 spoke from experience as a former alternate, supporting the need to better define alternate roles so members know how they can contribute during bargaining and organizing work.
Local 349 also has representation in CAAT-S Part-Time provincial work. OPSEU/SEFPO publicly lists Solidarity guest Harvey Vaters, Local 349, as Vice-Chair of the CAAT-S Part-Time Bargaining Team and Vice-Chair of the Employee/Employer Relations Committee.
Local 349 Members in Attendance
Local 349 thanks the members who attended and represented our local at the PTSS–FT DivEx event.
Key Takeaways for Members
The event focused on building stronger member power between bargaining rounds, improving organizing structures, and creating clearer processes for future committee elections.
Important themes included:
- strengthening organizing committees at all 24 colleges;
- preparing earlier and more strategically for future bargaining;
- creating a year-round Standing Organizing Committee;
- improving communication and role clarity for bargaining team alternates;
- separating committee elections from final demand-set meetings;
- increasing at-large representation on the Employee Relations Committee;
- and continuing cross-divisional collaboration across the college system.
Thank You
Thank you to the Local 349 members who attended and represented Georgian College support staff.
Events like this are important because they help build relationships, share knowledge, strengthen committee work, and prepare the division for the next round of bargaining.
Local 349 is proud to continue supporting both full-time and part-time support staff through representation, communication, and solidarity.
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