For Immediate Release Contact: OPSEU Local 365
February 10, 2026 info@opseu365.com
OPSEU 365, Trent University’s Support Staff Union, Rallies Against Looming Cuts
Peterborough, ON – Today, Trent University’s support staff union, OPSEU 365, rallied against their Administration’s planned budget cuts for 2026-2027.
OPSEU members delivered a budget package to Trent University President, Dr. Cathy Bruce, and her Senior Administration. The package included a letter and a petition signed by over 600 staff, community members, faculty and students calling for adequate funding and staffing levels that uphold critical student and community services and supports.
Over 500 members work in non-academic roles vital to the University, and are united in opposing cuts that will impact their work load and ability to deliver high quality student services and support.
“As the University discusses its budget priorities, we’re here to remind decision-makers that there is no Trent University without support staff. The work our members do everyday is critical to the student and faculty experience–not to mention the experience of countless community members who visit our campuses daily,” commented OPSEU Local 365 President, Will Dowkes.
OPSEU 365 members have been informed that low enrollment caused by international student caps, intensifying competition for domestic students, and a provincial tuition freeze coupled with fixed operating grants have left the university in a challenging financial position. The University is eyeing budget cuts of up to 12 percent in 2026-2027, despite moving forward with costly capital projects and maintaining an expansive team of executives.
“As the University seeks to strengthen Trent’s future sustainability, we’re here to say–loudly and clearly–we must not compromise the student and community experience when there are choices that could be made to preserve the Trent we all know and love. Cuts to staffing is not the answer. Budget cuts threaten more than jobs; they threaten the quality, stability, and heart of the Trent community.”
At the request of the Union, Dr. Bruce met with OPSEU 365 in advance of budget deliberations on February 6, 2026.
“We know that Dr. Bruce understands the extent to which our members care for the future of the institution. Like us, we hope she believes that Trent can choose a different path. That’s what we’re proposing today. Trent can and should preserve and bolster the services and support that make us stand out in Ontario’s post-secondary landscape. We have a reputation that is second-to-none and we should be determined to keep it that way,” said Dowkes.
Since September 2025, OPSEU 365 has collected over 600 signatures of support calling on the institution to properly fund the services and support provided by their members. They have also received hundreds of messages of gratitude from students studying at the Symons, Peterborough campus through their Students <3 OPSEU postcard campaign.
OPSEU 365 is asking supporters to:
- Continue circulating and signing on to their petition calling on Dr. Cathy Bruce and Senior Administration to ensure that their budget properly invests in support staff and services: https://opseu365.com/petition/
- Spread awareness that the University’s proposed budget reductions have the potential to make Trent less efficient, less responsive, and a less desirable destination for those looking for a home to pursue higher education.
- Write to the Senior Administration to voice your appreciation for support staff and advocate for a budget that ensures their long term sustainability now and into the future.
– –
Students recognize the difficult position of their support staff and have commented through the Students <3 OPSEU campaign:
“Thank you for continuing to support students even during moments like this.”
“All OPSEU categories have been superb in all the years I have been at Trent. Without them, this would not work.”
“We wouldn’t be where we are in our degrees without you. You help keep us on track and support us through EVERYTHING.”
– –
We appreciate your support and coverage of this issue. OPSEU 365 members care deeply about our communities, students and the future success of Trent University.
For media requests or to request more information, please contact info@opseu365.com