The union representing support staff at the province's community colleges says it sees little hope of avoiding a strike.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union represents about 8,000 support staff at the colleges.

The workers, which include cleaners, food service staff and registration officers, will be in a legal strike position Thursday morning.

The union says the two sides have agreed on some contract details but not major sticking points such as job security and wages.

A strike could compromise the new school year set to start next week, and a student group has urged the schools to do whatever they can to stay open.

Bargaining chair for the colleges Gerry Barker says his side remains hopeful that a negotiated settlement can be reached.