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The union representing education workers at the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board is calling for planned staffing reductions to be reversed, arguing the cuts come at a time when both enrolment and funding are increasing.
CUPE Local 1453 says the board has notified the union that it intends to eliminate 27 full-time equivalent positions for the 2026-27 school year. The reductions include 26.5 educational assistant positions, two registered early childhood educator positions, and 0.25 secretarial positions.
The union represents approximately 950 education workers, including educational assistants, early childhood educators, custodians, maintenance staff, office staff and information technology workers.
CUPE Local 1453 President Nora Shaughnessy says the decision is creating uncertainty for employees.
“Educational assistants are going into the summer not knowing if they will have jobs to return to in September,” she said, adding that the workers provide essential daily support for students.
The union notes the board is projecting 2.2 per cent enrolment growth for the coming school year, along with a 3.7 per cent increase in provincial funding. It also says kindergarten enrolment is expected to increase by 78 students, while early childhood educator positions are being reduced.
The Ontario School Board Council of Unions says the situation reflects broader funding challenges facing Ontario’s education system and is calling on the province to increase investment in frontline education workers.
The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board had not publicly responded to the union’s statement at the time of publication.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
