Education workers in southwestern Ontario represented by CUPE 4299 and the Ontario School Board Council of Unions, OSBCU, strongly condemn the Conseil scolaire catholique Providence’s, CSC Providence, plan to lay off between 40 and 50 CUPE education workers by the end of this school year in August.
“These cuts are a direct attack on the frontline workers who keep our schools running and support students every single day,” said Anthony Cutrone, president of CUPE 4299. “The board had other choices, but instead they’ve chosen to balance their budget on the backs of our members. We will not stand by while dozens of families lose their livelihoods and students lose critical supports.”
CUPE 4299 represents education workers who work as Educational Assistants, Child and Youth Workers, Registered Early Childhood Educators, secretarial staff, IT staff, custodial workers, social workers, and other non-teaching staff that provide essential services that support student success and well-being across the school board.
These cuts come as a direct result of a $3.3 million deficit, caused in part by the ongoing underfunding of public education by the provincial government.
“What’s especially troubling is that at the beginning of the school year in September, we were told there would be no layoffs,” Cutrone said. “Now we’re facing up to 50 job losses. Our members deserve honesty, respect, and job security.”
The union warns that the layoffs — representing approximately 9.5% of its permanent workforce — will have serious consequences for students, families, and school communities.
“Right now, our members are already stretched thin due to previous job reductions and increased workloads,” said Cutrone. “Cutting staff will increase workloads even more, reduce supports for students, and put more pressure on the workers who remain at the schools.”
The OSBCU says these cuts reflect a broader pattern driven by chronic underfunding of education in Ontario since 2018.
“What we’re seeing at CSC Providence is part of a broader pattern, where education workers are being asked to pay the price for underfunding,” said Joe Tigani, President of the OSBCU. “These are the people who support students with special needs, maintain safe schools, and ensure schools function every day. Cutting these workers hurts everyone.”
CUPE 4299 and the OSBCU are calling on the province to properly fund education and on the CSC Providence to immediately reverse these job cuts.
“Students deserve safe, supported learning environments,” Tigani added. “That starts with investing in the workers who make that possible. The OSBCU stands behind CUPE 4299 members as they fight back. We are united in defending good jobs, protecting vital services, and pushing back against a system that continues to undervalue education workers and the students they serve.”