More than 255,000 teachers and education workers across Ontario will take part in a province-wide day of action on April 29, calling for stronger funding and support for publicly funded education.
The coordinated effort includes members of AEFO, ETFO, OECTA, CUPE-OSBCU, and OSSTF/FEESO, representing teachers and education workers across elementary, secondary, Catholic, French-language, and support staff sectors.
Union leaders say schools continue to face serious challenges tied to chronic underfunding, including large class sizes, rising incidents of school violence, insufficient special education supports, staff recruitment and retention issues, and aging school buildings.
They also point to funding concerns in the post-secondary sector, saying years of underfunding and recent cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program are creating added pressure for students and institutions.
As part of the April 29 action, members across Ontario will wear red and purple through the Red for Ed and Power of Purple campaigns as a visible show of unity and support for education.
The unions say the day of action is intended to demonstrate solidarity ahead of the next round of central bargaining with the province.
They are calling for improved learning and working conditions, stronger staffing supports, and meaningful long-term investment in schools and universities.
Under the theme “Stronger Together,” organizers say the goal is to defend and strengthen Ontario’s public education system while ensuring students have access to stable, well-resourced learning environments.
Families and community members are also being encouraged to show support and join the call for greater investment in education.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
