Faculty and support workers warn of declining conditions amid staffing reductions
Union locals call for transparency and reinvestment as pressures mount
Members of OPSEU/SEFPO Locals 124 and 125 are sounding the alarm over what they describe as worsening working and learning conditions at Lambton College, citing staffing cuts, reduced programming and a lack of visible leadership.
In a press release issued from Sarnia, union representatives said faculty and support staff raised “urgent concerns” during a recent joint meeting, pointing to disruptions affecting both employees and students. Participants characterized the situation as “demoralizing,” “unstable,” and “deeply concerning.”
The concerns come as Ontario’s post-secondary institutions continue to face financial and enrolment pressures, prompting some colleges to reassess staffing levels and program offerings. At Lambton College, however, union members argue the impact is being felt directly in day-to-day operations and student services.
Staff report that recent cuts have led to longer processing times and slower service across departments, alongside fewer available classes and the loss of partial-load faculty. According to the release, these changes have reduced access to specialized expertise and increased workloads for remaining employees.
Union members also highlighted structural issues, including unfilled vacancies and roles expanding without updated job descriptions or recognition. They pointed to deteriorating infrastructure as another concern, noting the suspension of operations at the Industrial Fire School and unresolved maintenance issues affecting study spaces and equipment.
Students, they added, are experiencing growing difficulty accessing support. Members said learners are often unable to connect with the appropriate staff and increasingly feel like “an inconvenience.”
Reports of leadership vacuum
Beyond operational challenges, staff described what they see as a lack of leadership presence across departments. “Leaders are absent,” one participant said during the meeting.
Others reported a workplace culture where questions are discouraged. Some managers, according to staff accounts, told employees to “be thankful you still have a job,” a remark union representatives say has contributed to declining morale.
Employees also raised concerns about internal communication, citing outdated staff directories and a shift toward automated systems that have replaced more personalized support. The result, they said, is confusion about where to seek help and a diminished sense of connection within the institution.
Long-term impact on students and institution
Union leadership warned that the cumulative effect of these changes could have lasting consequences for the college and its students.
“Not only are they losing a large number of staff, but the institutional memory walking out the door will absolutely undercut the student experience,” said Shelley Gartshore, President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 124.
Members described heightened anxiety about job security and a growing disconnect from student needs. Some reported feeling conflicted about advocating for improved working conditions, while others expressed a sense of instability within their roles.
“Nervous panic, wondering if I am next,” one member shared.
The unions argue that a lack of transparency from the college has compounded these concerns. They say staff have not been given clear information about long-term operational plans or how the institution intends to function with fewer employees.
Calls for action and accountability
Despite the challenges, Locals 124 and 125 emphasized that staff remain committed to maintaining the quality of education and services at Lambton College.
Union representatives are calling on college leadership to provide greater clarity on future plans, address workload pressures and reinvest in student support services. They also urged administrators to rebuild trust through more visible and meaningful engagement with staff.
“Our members care deeply about students and the future of this institution,” said representatives from the locals. “We are asking for leadership that does the same.”
The situation at Lambton College reflects broader tensions within Canada’s college system, where financial constraints are increasingly intersecting with workforce and student experience concerns. For now, union members say the priority is ensuring that both staff and students are supported as the institution navigates ongoing changes.