Ontario CUPE education employees have filed another notice of strike with the provincial government, saying negotiation talks have broken down once again.
The union is required to provide five days notice, meaning job action for over 55,000 education assistants, ECEs, custodial and support staff could begin as early as Monday, Nov. 21 if an agreement is not reached.
Laura Walton, President of OSBCU, says the government’s latest offer was insufficient, a $1/hour raise that amounts to a 3.59% increase. The union was asking for annual salary increases of 11.7%.
“We’ve said all along: a deal would be done when there’s a wage that met what the what the workers needed, and provided the services that students and families deserve,” said Walton. “This isn’t just about union workers wanting more money in their pockets, it’s about wanting to do their jobs. And I don’t understand why this government cannot see through to the fact that this is a win-win-win for workers, families, and this province.”
Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said the government offered more, but that they were committed to reaching a deal to keep students in classes.
Ontario Education Minister @Sflecce on the new CUPE Ontario strike notice. #onpoli pic.twitter.com/FUE2WblHem
— Antonella Artuso (@suntooz) November 16, 2022
The first time education workers took to the picket lines, the strike lasted two school days, before the Ontario government agreed to repeal a bill that forced an agreement on the workers.
