Still hoping for business as usual when kids go back to school: Talks with education workers continue

The union representing some 55,000 Ontario education workers has asked the province for annual wage increases of 11.7 per cent.

CUPE represents the early childhood educators, school administration workers, bus drivers and custodians who help take care of our kids in schools.

The union is arguing that wages have been restricted over the last decade and notes that inflation is only expected to increase.

A spokeswoman for Education Minister Stephen Lecce did not comment on  the proposed annual raise, but in a statement said the government is “intent” on reaching a deal that ensures students are in class when school is scheduled to start, with extracurriculars included.

The first day of school for students in the Upper Canada and Catholic boards is  just over a month away, September 6th, 2022.