CUPE Local 5257 – Blaisdale Montessori School Strike

CUPE Local 5257, who represents more than 100 Montessori teachers and support staff at Blaisdale Montessori School, is on strike as of Monday, November 16, 2020.

These workers, who rose up for families during the pandemic, have been without a contract since August 31, 2019 and are taking job action for fair wages and a fair contract. More than 55% of workers at Blaisdale Montessori School earn minimum wage and the employer refuses to offer any wage improvements for the first two years of the agreement.

In an effort to reach a fair deal, the local has met with the employer 16 times and has extended its strike deadline on five occasions. Blaisdale Montessori School has seven campuses throughout Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, and Bowmanville.

We call on the administration of Blaisdale Montessori School to bargain a fair deal for loyal Montessori teachers and support staff.

Please add you name to our letter to the Principal of Blaisdale Montessori School.  Fill in the form below to send a message.

Show Your Support

CUPE Local 5257 members are calling for fair wages and a fair contract. Members are calling on the employer to address the large cohort of staff who are earning minimum wage and to keep wage improvements in line with the rising costs of living.

Dear Heather Wilson,

I am disappointed that you have not yet offered CUPE Local 5257 members a fair deal and am concerned by your inaction to end this service disruption.

Montessori teachers and support staff at each of your campuses are dedicated, loyal, and highly talented—they deserve to be treated with respect. You are setting an unfortunate example to more than 700 students in your care who look to you as a role model. Now, during this brutal pandemic, we must show our children and community at large that frontline workers matter and deserve to be treated like the heros that they truly are.

During this pandemic, we are reminded of the dedication and perseverance of frontline workers, including Montessori teachers and support staff, who have risen up to keep kids safe and in school.

Montessori teachers and support staff deserve to be treated fairly so they can continue providing the excellent education we expect at Blaisdale Montessori School. Student success is absolutely contingent on the fair treatment of hard-working and loyal Montessori teachers and support staff.

I urge you to rectify this situation by improving working conditions for all CUPE Local 5257 members by addressing the large cohort of your staff who earn minimum wage or slightly above minimum wage, and by providing immediate wage enhancements to these workers who’ve been without a collective agreement since August 31 of 2019.

Sincerely,

Your Name