CUPE 5335 and the Conseil des syndicats des conseils scolaires de l’Ontario (CSCSO) strongly condemn the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario’s (CEPEO’s) intention to cut 24 full-time equivalent positions, affecting approximately 45 CUPE-member education workers by the end of the school year. 

“These cuts are a direct assault on the frontline workers who, day in and day out, support our students, families and school communities,” said Christine Couture, president of CUPE 5335. “The employer is choosing to balance its budget at our members’ expense. That is totally unacceptable. We won’t look on while dozens lose their livelihoods.” 

CUPE 5335 represents a wide range of workers in the education sector, including secretarial and other essential support staff, who make sure that schools run smoothly and students get the services they need to succeed. 

In addition to these job cuts, the employer announced that all but one secretarial position would be reduced from 12- to 10-month assignments. This change would significantly reduce these workers’ income and job security. Yet, the school board will be opening two new schools in September, raising concerns about staffing priorities and resource allocation.

“For many of our members, we’re not just talking about job loss. This seriously compromises their ability to support themselves and their families,” said Couture. “Changing secretaries to 10-month contracts is a step backwards and an assault on the value of their work.” 

To justify these cuts, the employer pointed to a planned reduction of the deficit—from $3.4 to $1.8 million—using a new funding formula. However, CUPE 5335 and CSCSO reject the idea that workers should be the ones having to bear the brunt of any deficits. 

“Education workers should not be the ones to pay the price,” said Joe Tigani, president of CSCSO. “These are the professionals who keep schools running, foster student success and contribute to safe, inclusive learning environments. Our students and our communities will feel the consequences if these jobs are lost.” 

The union warns that the cuts will increase the workload of remaining staff members, reduce student support and negatively impact every level of school operations. 

“Now is a critical time for our members,” said Couture. “Our strength lies in our solidarity. We will come together to defend our jobs, our working conditions and the student services we provide.” 

CUPE 5335 and CSCSO call on the Government of Ontario to remedy the chronic underfunding of the education system and on the CEPEO to immediately abandon these cuts. 

“Our students deserve the support of properly funded schools,” said Tigani. “We stand with CUPE 5335 members who oppose these destructive cuts.”