I am very aware that I earn a fantastic salary, posess excellent medical benefits, and a have a pension fund that can’t be beat.
I have the luxury of retiring in June. My CUPE colleagues — no.
My colleagues in CUPE (especially in caretaking, as a CYW, or performing EA duties) often do the same tasks as I do. Cleaning up labs? De-escalating students in crisis? Tutorials? Restorative justice? Classroom supervision? They’re in the thick of it — just like me.
CUPE education staff are also thrust into high-risk learning environments. The caretakers I know also have to clean up disgusting messes left by teenagers. Caretakers are on the stop-watch, and must complete their backbreaking labour during the odd hours of the day.
Ontario Federation of Labour. Educate yourself here (link).
CBC Ontario. When my peers do get some (measly) pay increase, it’ll be gobbled up by basic living expenses. Grocery bills. Educate yourself here (link).
Black Cat Bed And Breakfast 