TORONTO - The union representing support staff at the province's 24 community colleges says workers are prepared to walk off the job Sept. 1 to back contract demands.

Spokesman Rod Bemister says a strike notice has been filed with the council representing management as required under the Colleges Collective Bargaining Act.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union represents about 8,000 administrative staff, IT specialists, maintenance workers and others at the community colleges.

Bemister says little progress is being made at the bargaining table.

The two sides are continuing talks today and have scheduled three days of negotiations beginning Aug. 29.

The main issues for the union include job security, benefits and wages.