Education workers represented by CUPE are calling for early collective bargaining discussions, citing ongoing staffing pressures at the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
CUPE locals representing support staff at KPR schools say chronic underfunding and workforce shortages are affecting both employees and students. The union argues early bargaining is necessary to stabilize schools before the current collective agreement expires at the end of August 2026.
Union officials warn that agreements restricting boards from cutting education jobs expire August 30. Without renewed agreements through bargaining, they say layoffs could take place ahead of the September school year.
CUPE representatives report that shortages of education assistants, custodial staff and other support workers are increasing workloads and limiting schools’ ability to respond to student needs. They also cite data suggesting billions have been removed from public education funding in recent years and note that student to staff ratios have not significantly improved.
Under provincial legislation, the Minister of Education has the authority to allow bargaining to begin up to 180 days before a collective agreement expires. CUPE says it is ready to return to the table immediately and is urging the province to initiate discussions to provide greater certainty for families, staff and students within the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)