Two local education worker unions and a provincial school board union council are criticizing planned staffing reductions at the Renfrew County District School Board, saying the cuts will worsen existing staffing pressures and affect services in schools.
The board has informed Canadian Union of Public Employees locals representing custodial, trades, office, clerical and information technology staff that it intends to eliminate approximately 11 full-time equivalent positions.
CUPE Local 1247, which represents custodians and trades workers, and CUPE Local 1321, which represents office, clerical and IT staff, say the reductions come at a time when schools are already facing staffing shortages and increasing student needs.
“These cuts will seriously undermine the learning and working conditions in our schools,” Ashley Farrell, president of CUPE Local 1247, said in a statement.
Farrell said custodial and trades staff are already struggling to maintain school facilities and services with current staffing levels.
Kathy Prescott, president of CUPE Local 1321, said office, clerical and IT employees are facing growing workloads and that the planned reductions would affect support services across the school system.
“Instead of addressing those concerns, the board is moving ahead with layoffs that will directly affect the support students and school communities rely on every day,” Prescott said.
The Ontario School Board Council of Unions, which represents education workers across the province, said the planned job cuts reflect broader funding challenges facing Ontario’s education system.
Joe Tigani, president of the OSBCU, said education workers are being affected by what the organization describes as years of underfunding in the sector.
“These are the people who support students with special needs, maintain safe schools and ensure schools function every day,” Tigani said.
The unions are calling on the provincial government to increase education funding and are urging the Renfrew County District School Board to reconsider the staffing reductions.
The school board did not immediately respond to the unions’ statements.
We also contacted the board and received the following statement:
“Over the past three budget cycles, the RCDSB has made reductions across several areas to maintain a balanced budget. We value all staff and positions and these decisions are challenging. Due to declining enrolment, the RCDSB needed to realign staffing levels with current and projected enrolment. The Board also strives to ensure that spending aligns with funding for the various staffing envelopes. The RCDSB continues to prioritize student achievement and well-being. Specifically, Special Education and Mental Health services for students are being prioritized for this budget cycle. RCDSB is committed to fiscal responsibility and responsible stewardship of resources.”
We also contacted the Ministry of Education and did not receive a response in time for publication.
The planned cuts are expected to affect custodial, secretarial and other support staff positions across the board.
(Steve Berard)
