CUPE, Canada’s largest union, will back Ontario’s 55,000 education support workers until a fair contract is reached with the Ford government.

Speaking at CUPE’s National Sector Council Conference in front of 700 delegates on Thursday, National President Mark Hancock pledged the national union’s full support for the Ontario School Board Council of Unions, which is negotiating with the Ford government on behalf of CUPE’s 55,000 education workers in Ontario.

“Doug Ford isn’t just taking on 55,000 education workers in Ontario,” said Hancock. “He’s taking on 715,000 CUPE members all across Canada. And we won’t stop until we get a fair and just settlement for our members.”

The OSBCU recently announced 96.5% of its membership supports strike action if necessary. CUPE’s National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick said Ontario education workers deserve better, and their whole union is ready to fight alongside them to get it.

“Let’s pledge here today to Laura and the entire OSBCU that CUPE members from coast to coast to coast have their back and stand shoulder to shoulder with them in their fight for fairness and respect!”.