The CUPE-OSBCU central bargaining committee, made up of frontline education workers from across Ontario, is currently in mediation with the singular focus of negotiating a collective agreement that meets the needs of students, parents, and workers. We will be limiting our comments to the media while in mediation to better direct our efforts to reaching a freely negotiated agreement.
We respectfully call on the Ford government to make the same commitment, refrain from making comments that distract from negotiations, and spend the time working to get a deal done for student success and good jobs.
Update on OLRB Proceedings November 9 2022
Many of you have inquired about the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) proceedings that occurred last weekend.
We have received confirmation today that the Unlawful Strike Application filed by the Minister of Education has been withdrawn.
No further actions or steps will be taken in the matter. No decision will be rendered.
November 8 2022
Thanks to your display of worker power, your bargaining team is back at the table and Bill 28 will be repealed.
The media is now reporting that an offer of 3.5% and 2% was passed. There are multiple issues with this:
this is not an offer that we have received we will not accept a 2 tiered wage increase such an offer would fall short of what you as workers need to ratify a deal We have been clear, a deal will be made which is a substantial flat rate increase, increases to funding to improve services that CUPE provides and improvements on working conditions.
We have our rights back – and we are going back to the bargaining table Dear members,
I want you to understand what happened today, how it happened, and where we head from here. I committed to open and transparent communications with you – and I wish that there had been time to share with you directly first.
Whatever else you’re hearing today, I want you to know one thing: today was a victory.
Bill 28 undermines our constitutionally protected rights and freedoms. It's an attack not only on education workers, but on all workers and on all Canadians. Labour leaders will be making an announcement about upcoming, escalating actions.
Regardless of the attempts by your OSBCU Bargaining Committee to achieve a negotiated deal that respects the needs of workers, students & families, the Ford Conservative government would not make the necessary investments to achieve this deal.
I love being an EA, but I can’t make a difference when I’m running from class to class like a chicken with its head cut off
Caterina Divilio is an educational assistant (EA) in the Durham Catholic District School Board. She has been working with special needs children for six years, assisting students who require various academic, emotional and behavioural supports in the classroom. Here, she explains what a day in the life of an EA entails and how her job has changed in recent years.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 2, 2022
A statement from the central bargaining committee for CUPE’s Ontario School Boards Council of Unions (OSBCU) We are waiting for a response from the Council of Trustees’ Associations (CTA) and the Ford government and remain at the table willing and ready, as we have been for the last five months, to negotiate a collective agreement that responds to the needs of students, parents, and workers.
Still Fighting For Your Rights November 2, 2022
Your OSBCU Bargaining Committee remains at the bargaining table.
To be clear, at this time, the legislation that is on the floor of Queen’s Park is not yet law, your rights to job action remain.We will not give up your rights, even in the face of attacks on rights by this government.
We are actively negotiating with the parties - as soon as we have concrete information to share we will.
This strong arm tactic would deny education workers the ability to negotiate for good jobs, better wages, and improvements to the services students rely on every day. This chart provides a brief outline of what the government is threatening to impose and what it means for workers, parents, and students.
