Almost 200 full-time Conestoga College employees have been laid off just days before the holiday break, as the college continues restructuring in response to falling international student enrolment.
Layoff notices were issued Tuesday to 181 full-time employees, most based in Kitchener, with others affected at campuses in Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford and Guelph. The workers are represented by OPSEU Local 237, which covers faculty, librarians and counsellors.
Union president Leopold Koff called the timing “shameful,” saying staff were given little opportunity to engage directly with senior management. The layoffs follow months of cutbacks, including voluntary exit incentives and early retirements offered earlier this fall.
The college has blamed the reductions on federal changes to international student permits. Conestoga reported international enrolment dropped by more than 60 per cent in 2025, contributing to lower tuition revenue despite the school posting a $121-million surplus last fiscal year.
In a statement, the college said it faces “unprecedented financial challenges” and must reduce operating costs to avoid a deficit, adding that it is complying with union agreements and supporting affected employees through transition measures.
OPSEU plans to hold a public town hall Thursday and provide laid-off workers with financial and counselling support.