The Chair of the Colleges’ Bargaining Team believes the elements are there right now to end a five week old faculty strike.
Sonia Del Missier says the only outstanding issue is the debate over who will have authority and control over curriculum.
She says they respectively disagree with framing this issue between faculty and college management.
Del Missier believes that all stakeholders should continue to participate in the academic decision making process.
Del Missier says acceptance of the offer on Thursday could result in students returning to the classroom next Tuesday.
Faculty are not expected to approve the deal.
Del Missier admits the impasse is frustrating, but not as frustrating as what students are feeling right now.
The Colleges have set up a website, www.collegevote.ca to explain their position.
Meantime, a proposed class action lawsuit has been launched on behalf of students affected by the labour dispute.
The notice of action alleges the colleges breached contracts with students by failing to provide vocational training and a full term of classes.
It seeks full refunds for students who choose not to continue with their programs and refunds “equivalent to the value of the lost instruction” for students who do want to continue.
