Education

The second-annual Unifor Education Technical Office Professional (ETOP) Council took place April 23 and 24 at the union’s national office in Toronto, with its biggest turnout yet.

“We have lots of different workplaces that are impacted by influences due to the nature of the work they’re doing. How it impacts us looks different than in other industries,” said ETOP Council Chair Emily Heikoop.

EDMONTON—Unifor stands in solidarity with Alberta’s striking education workers and calls on the provincial government to restore funding for fair wages and adequate staffing, including for the 3,500 education workers represented by Unifor in the sector.

Recently government of Ontario made the decision to advocate to federal government to increase the expansion of for-profit child care spaces in Ontario. The non-profit child care sector and its allies have come together to publish an open letter (below) to the Minister of Education, Todd Smith requesting that the province first support non-profit child care providers by investing in the workforce and capital expansion, as well as updating the funding formula. 

Mental health was the front and centre topic at the Education Technical Office and Professional (ETOP) Council on May 29 and 30 at Unifor’s national office in Toronto.

REGINA—The Scott Moe government’s refusal to address class size and complexity in public schools is more evidence that it’s time for change, says Unifor.

“Unifor stands with Saskatchewan’s teachers in their fight for justice and a fair collective agreement,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Teachers are trying their best to improve the public education in Saskatchewan, but the Sask Party government refuses to invest in public schools.”

WINDSOR – Unifor members at GreenShield Canada look forward to returning to work after ratifying a new three-year contract by 92% in Windsor and 91% in Toronto with the company, ending a strike that began on March 1.

“I am so very proud of this bargaining committee and these members for standing up and fighting to protect good jobs for women for today and into the future,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We can’t advance equality in this country without the power of trade union women fighting on all fronts.”

Members of Local 4005 at the Discovery Centre in Halifax ratified a new collective agreement with strengthened language, a new evening shift premium, and wage increases.

“The unity among Discovery Centre workers in standing up for each other and fighting for respect from their employer is inspiring,” said Jennifer Murray, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director. “I send my congratulations to the bargaining committee for the hard work they’ve done during this challenging round of negotiations.”

The members of Local 2003 at University of Toronto have ratified a new contract, retroactive to May 1, 2022.

“Wage increases and retroactivity delivers members a just-over 5% increase over the life of the two-year deal immediately upon ratification,” said Local 2003 President Patrick Doyle.

“Improvements to premiums, allowances and benefits means more money in members’ pockets. It is great to have these improvements locked in with a public employer in an uncertain time, with the government’s appeal of the repeal of Bill 124 still to be heard by the court this June.”