Child care workers reach agreement with KDSB to continue vital services in Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout, ON—Families in Sioux Lookout can be assured that child care services will continue in the region after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) pen a deal to ensure Biidaaban and Sioux Mountain Public School Children’s Centres avert closure. “Families, workers, and the broader community of…

What is the government’s plan for schools without education workers during COVID?

TORONTO, ON – Education workers are demanding that the Ford government come up with a plan that ensures custodians, education assistants (EAs), school secretaries and others are able to stay on the job once schools reopen next week, says the union that represents 55,000 education workers in Ontario. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)…

More money, more staff, safer classrooms: CUPE school board leaders set bargaining priorities for 2022

TORONTO, ON – Reacting to wrenching reports of classroom violence, pressures created by understaffing, and the human cost of low wages and precarious work, school board leaders from the Canadian Union Public Employees (CUPE) have determined that better wages and working conditions for education workers will be the focus of their next round of central…

The Ford Conservatives could have spent $2.6-billion to save lives: CUPE Ontario

TORONTO, ON – In the middle of a fourth wave, the Ford Conservatives are still senselessly sitting on billions of dollars that could go towards saving lives and ensuring a recovery for all, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario. “The single clearest lesson of the last 18 months is that public services…

Education workers point out potential dangers in Hamilton-Wentworth DSB’s school reopening plans

HAMILTON, ON – Leaders from the union that represents custodial and maintenance staff at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) are sounding the alarm about the loss of enhanced cleaning jobs in schools, saying that the cuts put students and staff at greater risk of catching COVID-19. “Enhanced cleaning measures were crucial to stopping the spread…

“The heroic contributions of workers will always inspire hope”: CUPE Ontario’s Labour Day statement

This Labour Day, there’s certainly lots for working people to be concerned about. Elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, are reopening without the safety measures students and workers alike need. Meanwhile, the Ford Conservatives are still refusing to sign an agreement to ensure $10/a day childcare. Cases are steadily going up, with the latest…

A letter to the Minister of Labour about the Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee

July 8, 2021 Sent Via Email Hon. Monte McNaughton Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development 14th Floor, 900 University Avenue Toronto, ON M7A 1T7 Dear Minister McNaughton, I am writing in response to your announcement that the Ontario Ministry of Labour will undertake an Ontario Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee. The Committee is tasked with…

“A testament to the contributions of front-line workers, but there’s still more to do”: CUPE Ontario calls for more action to ensure safety in Step 3

TORONTO, ON – Entering Step 3 early is a testament to the contributions of front-line workers but the Ford Conservatives are still failing to ensure safety and a recovery for all, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario. “Front-line workers kept us as safe as possible during this pandemic, with members of CUPE…