E21 - CAAT Tales: We Will Not Go Quietly into The Night

In this episode, we take you inside a pivotal moment for Ontario’s public college system. Julie speaks with local organizer Tabatha Rutledge about the April 29th provincial Day of Action — a rolling rally from Kingston to Brockville to Cornwall calling attention to the chronic underfunding of Ontario’s colleges and the growing threat to accessible, community‑based education.Tabatha shares why this rally matters, what’s at stake for students, workers, and communities, and how collective action can push back against the erosion of public education. From bus logistics to the deeper fight against privatization, this conversation captures the urgency and energy behind the movement.In the second half of the episode, Julie sits down with Dale Gartshore and Greg Dickson to unpack a historic milestone: the first‑ever bargaining table meeting for Ontario’s part‑time and sessional faculty. They discuss momentum across all four CAAT divisions, the realities of precarity, and why this first contract will shape the future of the entire college sector.Plus, this week’s Member Spotlight features Adam McGregor, whose sabbatical research explores how Ontario’s universities are navigating performance‑based funding, financial pressures, and shifting expectations.Key TopicsThe April 29th Day of Action: purpose, route, and how to participateWhy chronic underfunding threatens accessibility, local education, and community workforce developmentThe impact of the St. Lawrence–Fleming mergerHow faculty and support staff can attend without violating workload rulesThe importance of solidarity across campuses and divisionsHistoric first bargaining meeting for part‑time and sessional facultyWhat “raising the floor” means for all college employeesMember Spotlight: Adam McGregor’s research on Ontario’s Strategic Mandate Agreement 3Featured GuestsTabatha Rutledge — Rally organizerDale Gartshore — Divisional Executive, Part‑Time & Sessional FacultyGreg Dickson — Vice Chair, Part‑Time & Sessional Bargaining TeamAdam McGregor — Faculty member and researcher (Member Spotlight)Resources & LinksOpen Letter: Workers and Students United for Fair Education link:Workers and students united! – OPSEU/SEFPOBus Registration Form link:EDUCATION RALLY, APRIL 26Wear red on April 29th.Sign the open letter.Talk to your colleagues, students, neighbours, and community.And if you can — get on the bus.