The Okanagan College Faculty Association (OCFA) is citing concerns regarding the institution's administration not honouring the collective agreement obligations and a lack of transparency in decisions being made in response to financial issues brought about by the limitations placed on international student enrolment by the federal government.
The OCFA, representing more than 300 faculty members, says due to enrolment challenges, Okanagan College (OC) has initiated significant program changes, course cancellations and sent notifications for faculty layoffs without following the due processes outlined in the labour contract.
"When administrators ignore signed agreements, it's not just a labour issue. It's about keeping your word and operating with integrity," said Sharon Mansiere, president of the OCFA, in a news release issued Thursday, April 24.
"Our collective agreement includes specific processes designed to ensure decisions are made fairly, transparently and with appropriate faculty input."
The faculty association is it is working "closely" with the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC (FPSE), which has expressed strong support for the OCFA's position and the multiple grievances filed against the college in response to what it feels are "clear contraventions" to the existing contract.
"We are disappointed that this supposedly pro-labour government stands idly by allowing Okanagan to ignore collectively bargained language and engage in needless cuts," said FPSE executive director Michael Conlon.
In March, the college announced it was facing an $8.3 million deficit for the 2025-26 budget year, the major factor for that being a decrease in international student enrolment and tuition as mandated by the federal government in response to allegations the program was being abused within the post-secondary community across Canada.
In its media release, the OCFA says changes being made by OC due to budget pressures will result in a reduction of course offerings, the elimination of in-person courses, and that smaller or rural OC campuses will lose educational opportunities that previously existed close to home.
"Students deserve an education shaped by both expertise and experience, not just financial calculations," said Mansiere.
"Okanagan College has served our communities well for decades, and its mandate and structure are being altered with minimal consultation and without sharing the data that supposedly justifies these changes."
The OCFA is calling on the OC administration to:
鈥� Immediately halt planned faculty layoffs and program change processes that contravene collective agreement processes
鈥� Respect the long tradition of collegial governance at Okanagan College in accordance with the Colleges and Institutions Act
鈥� Share complete financial and enrolment data being used to justify program changes
鈥� Engage in genuine collaboration with community and faculty on institutional planning, including re-constituting and respecting regional advisory committees
The Capital News reached out to the OC administration for comment but did not hear back by the time of publication. This story will be updated with comment from OC once it is received.
