The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) extends solidarity to 55,000 frontline education workers, represented by the Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU), who have voted overwhelmingly in support of strike action, should collective bargaining reach an impasse.
“Education workers are vital to Ontario’s public education system, yet Ford’s Conservative government has refused to ensure that these workers have the supports they need,” said Patty Coates, Ontario Federation of Labour President. “This vote sends a powerful message that education workers are willing to take a united stand to protect public education here in Ontario.”
The vote took place over 10 days and achieved nearly 83 per cent voter turnout, with 96.5 per cent in favour of strike action.
“It is clear that education workers are fed up with the Ford government’s schemes to underfund Ontario’s education system and undervalue the workers that make the system run,” said Ahmad Gaied, OFL Secretary-Treasurer. “It’s time for Ford’s Conservatives to listen to education workers’ demands.”
Education workers are fighting to protect and expand student services. They are demanding the Ford government:
- Hire more education workers to ensure that all students get the support and services they need
- Significantly increase the education worker wage, the lowest in the sector at 39k on average
“The OFL’s one million members work in every sector of Ontario’s economy. These workers include the caregivers, parents, and grandparents of Ontario students,” added Janice Folk-Dawson, OFL Executive Vice-President. “We know the importance of OSBCU members’ fight to protect and expand services for students.”
“On behalf of 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Labour is united with OSBCU members,” said Coates. “Education workers have the OFL’s support as they work to reach a fair deal that respects workers and students.”
The Ontario Federation of Labour represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For information, visit www.OFL.ca and follow @OFLabour on Facebook and Twitter.
For more information, please contact:
Melissa Palermo
Communications Director
Ontario Federation of Labour
mpalermo@ofl.ca | 416-894-3456
