Skip to main content

Featured

Canada’s Jobless Rate Rises to 6.8% Despite December Hiring

          A employee sorts batteries on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December , even though the economy added 8,200 jobs during the month. The increase in unemployment wasn’t driven by widespread layoffs but by a surge in the number of people entering the labour force and actively looking for work. December Highlights Unemployment rate: Up from 6.5% to 6.8% Employment: Net gain of 8,200 jobs Labour force: Expanded significantly, outpacing job creation Full-time work: Increased Part-time work: Declined Why the Rate Rose Economists point out that the rise in unemployment reflects renewed labour market participation , not a weakening economy. More Canadians felt confident enough to start job hunting, but hiring didn’t keep pace with the influx of job seekers. This marks the fourth straight month of employment growth , yet December also saw the largest increas...

article

Ontario College Faculty Strike Averted with Binding Arbitration Agreement

 


In a significant development, the College Employer Council and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) have reached an agreement to enter binding arbitration, effectively averting a strike that could have impacted faculty and students across Ontario. 


The union, which represents over 15,000 faculty members, had issued a five-day strike notice last week, warning that labor action could begin as early as Thursday. However, after mediation sessions this week, both sides agreed to let an arbitrator resolve the remaining issues. 


While "significant benefit gains" were achieved in negotiations, several key issues, including work conditions, job security, and quality of education, remained unresolved. These outstanding matters will now be addressed by the arbitrator, who will make a final, binding decision.


The College Employer Council has assured that classes will continue as scheduled, ensuring that students' education will not be disrupted. 


This move to arbitration is seen as a positive step in resolving the dispute without the need for a strike, allowing faculty members to continue their work and students to stay on track with their studies. The outcome of the arbitration will be closely watched as it could set the tone for future negotiations in Ontario’s education sector.



Comments