Ontario education minister is 'jumping the gun' with strike talk, union says
A union representing education workers has accused the minister of education of "whipping up the crowd" as both sides search for a fair deal.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)– which represents 55,000 education workers, including early childhood educators, educational assistants, and custodial staff – has taken the “provocative step” of discussing strike votes at an upcoming meeting on August 22.
CUPE counters it is Lecce “jumping the gun.”
Laura Walton, who sits on the union bargaining committee, says the minister is “whipping up the crowd around whether school was going to be there in September, I will be clear, we will be at work.”
The union is seeking a pay increase of 11.7 percent – or $3.25 per hourؙ – arguing wages have been stagnant for years under both Liberal and Progressive Conservative governments.
“For most workers, for myself for instance, it would mean the difference of making $36,000 vs $40,000 a year – there is not a single worker who is going to get rich."
Lecce says the government is open to a fair deal, but the union is asking for too much.
“The entire budget of Saskatchewan is less than this ask,” he said in an interview with CP24 on Friday.
Caught in the middle are parents and children.
“I would be very upset,” said parent Melinda Takacs. “Of course, I just want the kids to be in school and I want them to learn.”
Others are feeling the crunch as rising inflation eats into their standard of living.
“It’s a tough time for everyone, so who am I to say they don’t deserve it,” said Derek McPherson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.