“Give them an increase that is in line with inflation.” Ontario offers of a 2% raise to lowest paid education workers

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Ontario government proposed an increase of 2% a year for education workers who earn less than $40,000 and a mere 1.25% for those who earn more over a four-year term. This proposal was made on Monday, August 15^th, 2022, in bargaining between the Ontario government and the CUPE. This offer gives the other education unions: OSSTF/FESSO, OECTA, ETFO and AEFO an idea of the maximum of what they can expect when they negotiate with the government. The government insisted it will not offer anything higher.

For the past three years, all public sector workers were restricted to a cap of 1% as a result of Bill 124, which was introduced by the Conservative government in 2019. There are great concerns expressed by CUPE and the other education unions that this proposal is insufficient and inadequate given that the annual rate of inflation was 8.1% as released by Statistics Canada

The Canadian Press revealed that CUPE is displeased with the government’s offer as it will not offset the increased costs for rent or food that their members currently face. CUPE was hoping that the government would comply with their request of 117% increase, which translates to about $3.25 per hour given that their wages have been capped for the past two years.

Ontario Minister of Education, Stephen Leece released a statement that indicates that the government is convinced that their proposal is “Reasonable, fair and provides stability.” His statement reads, “As students returned to normal classes this September with the full school experience, including sports and extracurricular, we are committed to landing a fair deal with all education unions and a good deal for Ontario students and their families.”

Laura Walton, President of CUPE’s Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU) reacted to the offer by making a statement. “Overall, we are disheartened with the offer. Education workers across the province are fighting to stay out of poverty while they fight to provide the services that we know that students and families and communities need.”

She notes that CUPE members have resorted to overtime work, attempting to maximize their pay by doubling it to the maximum that is possible in their collective agreement for certain trades.

On the other hand, the Ontario government counters CUPE’s proposals. Minister Leece notes, “The CUPE proposal sets expectations for the other eight tables we’re negotiating with. The government, therefore, must consider the implications, not just for CUPE, but also for the entire sector. If CUPE’s proposal was applied across the board it would cost taxpayers $21.8 billion over the proposed three years.”

There are approximately 55,000 education workers who are members of CUPE, which include early childhood educators, bus drivers, custodians and school administration workers.

These important public servants are important stakeholders in our public education system. They play an active role as front-line workers and deserve a significantly higher increase than 2%.  Let us hope the Ontario government changes its mind and gives them an increase that is in line with inflation.