Education and Training

Main sticking point in negotiations was wage parity.

“If the unions in Ontario need financial support, we will be there for them. The Ford government decided to attack some of the most vulnerable workers in the province. That’s a fight we are not going to shy away from." — NUPGE President Bert Blundon

There is positive news in areas like service delivery and job training, but not enough is being done on tax fairness and gaping holes in our social safety net are not getting the attention they need.

Find the nearest CUPE rally to you by postal code

“The legislation introduced in Ontario and invoking the notwithstanding clause are an attack on all working people in Canada. The National Union is strongly committed to supporting CUPE and OPSEU/SEFPO in their fight and to standing up against this attack.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

"If these workers are so necessary that management says these students cannot attend school safely without their support, then why can’t Education Minister Becky Druhan simply pay them the same wage they’re being paid elsewhere in Nova Scotia?” — Sandra Mullen, NSGEU President

Halifax (24 Oct. 2022) — Over 600 members of Local 73 of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees' Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) went on strike today. These workers are employed by the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education (AVRCE) and have been fighting for wage equity at the negotiating table. 

Members of Local 73 include: early childhood educators, outreach workers, student support workers, office administration assistants, clerks, including receptionist/clerks, purchasing clerks, accounting clerks, payroll clerks, and transportation clerks, and IT support specialists.

"It is time that the government and the employer show them how much they care about the work they do and the services they provide and come to the table with necessary improvements." — Sandra Mullen, NSGEU President

“This contract has the potential to improve the ability to recruit and retain workers in this sector, which is vital to public education.” — Sandra Mullen, NSGEU President

“This agreement puts us on a clear path to improving the working conditions of Ontario college faculty and the learning conditions of Ontario college students. It’s a testament to what our members can achieve when they stand up for their needs and their students’ needs.” — JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President

“Sydney is a very deserving recipient, and we wish her continued success as she moves forward in her academic career." — Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President

“Through their solidarity and thanks to incredible support from library users and the labour movement, BCGEU/NUPGE members working for VIRL demanded better — and they got it.” — Joanna Lord, BCGEU Vice-President

"Similar to what’s done in health care, we need a dedicated transfer to the provinces to move us towards a public post-secondary education system that is accessible to all, high quality, and provides decent work in the sector. A strong public education system is key to a thriving society, especially as we face labour shortages in critical sectors and the need for transition to a green economy.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

You can help us to achieve better by sending a letter to your college president to demand more #Time4Students: 
https://collegefaculty.org/write-your-college-president

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to act in a timely matter to protect public health and keep Ontarians as safe as possible — including Ontario’s public colleges.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU/SEFPO President

“Our members are sending a clear message that they want to see a negotiated settlement. I’m sure an agreement is in reach, so let’s get back to the bargaining table and get it.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of OPSEU/SEFPO/NUPGE

Students facing unexpected costs at a private for-profit college in Ottawa is just the latest reason to be concerned about public funding for private colleges.

"As we approach the second winter of this pandemic, the impacts on mental health are increasing and demand immediate action. Mental health and well-being have long been ignored or met with caring words, followed by little else. This World Mental Health Day, we are demanding governments show their commitment through action! The pandemic has greatly harmed the mental health of many. As a society, we must take on the challenge of providing support to those struggling with mental health issues." ― Larry Brown, NUPGE President

"The theme going into this round was ‘bargaining for better,’ and I’m proud to say that’s exactly what we were able to do." — Lisa Lavigne, OPSEU/SEFPO chair of the part-time college support bargaining team.

When publicly funded institutions are allowed to use bankruptcy protection legislation, public accountability is lost. All that matters is what creditors want.