The union representing support workers in Ontario's schools has launched "Phase 2" of its ongoing work-to-rule campaign.
Leaders of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 55,000 education workers in Ontario schools, ramped up the campaign on Tuesday morning.
The union represents early childhood educators, educational assistants, custodians, clerical workers, librarians and other members of Ontario public and Catholic schools.
Each category of workers was given an instruction list of approximately 30 to 35 items specific to their daily duties at school. The union advised all members to ensure student safety above all instructions outlined in the second phase.
Custodial and maintenance workers were advised not to participate in compost programs or clean pencil sharpeners, whiteboards and chalkboards. They are not to cut the grass unless there's a safety risk, and will only check their email once a day, in the morning. They will also not sweep entrances and hallways or clean the offices of principals and vice-principals.
Clerical employees were told not to enter staff absences, complete surveys, perform any repairs or attend staff meetings unless during paid time.
They will no longer complete month-end reports for the Ministry of Education, create or print newsletters, do school bank deposits or supervise students.
Educational assistants will still complete all incident and accident reports, but will not complete any learner reports, except when students are being promoted or leaving the school. They will not run errands for principals, make photocopies, do head lice checks or help out with fundraisers. They will not do lunch duty, hall duty or yard duty, except for special education students in their care.
Early childhood educators will not supervise college students, complete learner reports (except when promoting or exiting students), buy supplies with their own money or complete errands for their principals. They will not make photocopies, complete surveys, attend training or do any paperwork.
Library workers will not train volunteers, prepare book fairs outside of work, clear photocopier jams or prepare materials for any classes.
Anyone employed in the information technology field will not allow volunteers to do their work, clear photocopier jams, attend training, do any paperwork or complete or close work tickets. All requests for work must be submitted in writing.
All instructors will not make bulletin board displays, complete learner reports or submit lesson plans. They will not buy supplies for their classes or make photocopies. They will also not work with unsolicited volunteers or co-op students, or answer student questions outside of class time.
None of the members will participate in parent councils, and all have been instructed to wear a work-to-rule wrist band during the campaign.
CUPE decided to move forward in the campaign after failing to reach an agreement with the government over the weekend. The union's members have been working without a contract since August 2014.
