School support workers in Sarnia-Lambton demonstrated their frustrations with the provincial government Tuesday.
A group gathered outside MPP Bob Bailey's office in Point Edward Tuesday evening to deliver their message.
Education Assistant and Local President of CUPE 1238 Michele LaLonge-Davey speaks at a rally outside of MPP Bob Bailey's office in Sarnia. November 1, 2022. (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
Education Assistant and Local President of CUPE 1238 Michele LaLonge-Davey said they want to apply pressure on the province to bargain fairly.
She said it's not only about bargaining, but now it's also a rights issue.
A rally was held outside of MPP Bob Bailey's office in Sarnia. November 1, 2022. (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
"Let's get a deal done through correct, legal, within our rights bargaining, not through legislation shoved down our throats," said LaLonge-Davey. "My mind is blown by the exercise of the notwithstanding clause and the legislated collective agreement and taking away our right to strike."
LaLonge-Davey said all they want is to protect public education.
"We want more funding into the system, so it's in the classrooms for the kids," she said. "We support families and communities, we just want what's right. And honestly, on a personal note, my mind is blown, I don't understand, like what have we ever done wrong, what are the kids and families doing wrong that this government doesn't want to fund it appropriately."
A rally was held outside of MPP Bob Bailey's office in Sarnia. November 1, 2022. (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
On Monday, CUPE, which represents workers including custodians, librarians, educational assistants and administrative staff, announced that workers are set to withdraw services across Ontario schools starting Friday morning, despite the provincial government introducing the Keeping Students in Class Act.
With files from Melanie Irwin