OPSEU Local 578 Unit 1 Collective Bargaining

York University’s approach to collective bargaining with all our bargaining units is informed by five core principles

Open, transparent and honest conduct, knowing that achieving a renewed agreement in a timely manner is in the best interests of our community.

Improving and expanding initiatives that further our principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion across the entire University.

Focusing on the financial wellbeing of our employees and the long-term sustainability of York, taking the current economic climate and fiscal realities into account.

For the bargaining process, the union and its leadership.

To our community.

Community Updates

The bargaining teams for the University and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), Local 578 Unit 1, the union representing instructors at the English Language Institute (ELI), have met three times in negotiations for a renewal collective agreement.

Most recently, the parties met on November 4, 2025, where the University provided the Union with an ELI fiscal update based on recent enrolment and sector trends. ELI has consistently maintained a positive reputation in the sector for high quality language pathway programs but has been nevertheless impacted by the dramatic reduction in overall demand levels in the sector over the last several years.

Since 2019, annual enrolment at ELI has continually declined due to a wide range of external factors that have similarly impacted English language learning and private alternatives across Canada. In preparation for the Fall 2025 term, working with ELI instructors, the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) developed a range of strategies intended to improve enrolment, including curriculum revisions, updates to program offerings, and enhanced recruitment efforts. Despite this work, enrolment for the Fall 2025 term declined by 17% over the previous year, mirroring rates across the country.

ELI has struggled with structural deficits since 2019. As a result, significant operational changes were implemented including a 50% reduction in administrative staff. Unfortunately, the ELI has now begun the process of initiating similar reductions in instructional staff with a view to maintaining fiscal sustainability while continuing efforts to rebuild enrolments.

At the November 4, 2025, bargaining meeting, OPSEU indicated a desire to have the appointed conciliation officer join the parties at future meetings. Conciliation is a normal part of the collective bargaining process and is often used by unions and employers to assist in achieving a collective agreement.

The University looks forward to meeting with OPSEU Local 578 when the conciliation officer reconvenes the parties in late January 2026 and remains hopeful a renewal collective agreement will be achieved in the next phase of negotiations.