Hundreds of educations workers in Pembroke are joining thousands of others across Ontario who are on strike today. Amy Cybulski, a school secretary in Renfrew County says they’ve had great support from the community so far.
Education workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) started gathering outside the office of MPP John Yakabuski on Isabella Street in Pembroke around 7:00am and will be circling downtown Pembroke until 5:00pm.
Kathy Prescott, the Vice President of Local 1321 representing secretarial and IT staff, says they are set up in Pembroke, Barry’s Bay and Renfrew.
Yesterday, the provincial government passed legislation making it illegal for the 55,000 education workers represented by CUPE to strike. The legislation sets out fines for violating a prohibition on strikes of up to $4,000 per employee per day, with fines up to $500,000 for the union.
Prescott says the government is taking away the rights of union workers and adds they have contracts in place telling them they are allowed to go on a picket line.
Brenda MacMullin, the President of Local 1202, representing custodians and maintenance workers with the local Catholic school board, says the government isn’t respecting workers and is degrading them.
Deb Prange, the Secretary Treasurer with Local 1202, says many workers are only making about $3.56 above minimum wage.
Prescott says what they are asking for is reasonable and necessary. The Vice President of Local 1321 says the proposals would ensure students get the service they need and workers don’t have to rely on the Food Bank or make decisions like buying their kids a snowsuit for winter or paying a hydro bill.
The local union leaders say they will continue to fight for more resources in the classroom, more student supports and better wages as they are at the lowest of low in the province.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the province has filed a submission to the Ontario Labour Relations Board in response to CUPE’s illegal strike action with proceedings starting last night and continuing today. Lecce goes on to say nothing matters more right now than getting all students back in the classroom.
The Renfrew County District School Board has closed schools today with a transition to online learning. The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board is keeping schools open today, but will close schools next week if the protests continue. The French Catholic School board (Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est) says schools are open today and the French Public School Board (Conseil des Écoles Publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario) has announced schools in Renfrew County are closed.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)