CUPE education workers vote for strike mandate

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By Nick Seebruch
CUPE education workers vote for strike mandate

BROCKVILLE, Ontario – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) the union that represents support workers in the Ontario education system voted overwhelmingly in favour of approving a strike mandate.

Over 55,000 union members voted and the result was 93 per cent in favour of a strike.

“Back-to-school in Ontario this year looks very different from last year. Families, students, and workers have all been hurt by the Ford government’s cuts to education,” said Laura Walton, president of CUPE’s Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU).

The union is currently bargaining with the Council of Trustees’ Association and the province of Ontario to avoid a strike. Talks are scheduled to take place on Sept. 17 and 18.

If no resolution can be found, the education support workers could strike as soon as Sept. 30.

There are approximately 1,500 CUPE workers with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB). Their jobs include Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, Office Staff, Library Workers and more.

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