The union representing Algonquin College teaching and support staff is outraged at a retirement package awaiting the school's outgoing president.

Robert Gillett, president at Ottawa's Algonquin College, will receive a half-million dollar payout when he retires, documents show. (CBC)

Robert Gillett will get $500,000 in addition to his pension when he retires in about a year, according to the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) who found the information through an access to information request.

The sum amounts to a one year paid leave of absence and other small cash considerations, which the union's recent newsletter calls "scandalous".

"It's hard for staff who are told that times are tough, that we have to respect the financial constraints of the publicly-funded system," said OPSEU 415 vice-president Jack Wilson.

"It's hard on the morale for people to be told the cupboard is bare when it seems to be pretty full for certain individuals."

All Ontario college support staff workers went on strike in September, seeking better pay and hours.

OPSEU represents about 8,000 support workers at Ontario's 24 colleges who help with registration, student loans, disability support and food preparation, among other services.