‘It’s not going to fix it if they don’t start funding it appropriately’: Local union leaders join call for new education funding as contract talks near

As the province takes over multiple school boards, the ETFO says the province is failing students due to a lack of education funding. Gerry Dewan reports.

Unions representing thousands of Ontario education workers are sounding the alarm over mounting instability in the province’s school system, urging the government to begin collective bargaining immediately as contract negotiations for teachers and support staff approach.

Citing severe underfunding and chronic staffing shortages, the Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU), along with CUPE locals 4222 and 7575, are calling on Education Minister Paul Calandra to come to the table swiftly, warning of potential layoffs and a deepening crisis in student support.

The Ford government’s recent decision to appoint supervisors to eight school boards, including the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), has drawn sharp criticism from educators.

Local presidents of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), representing educators in these supervised boards, issued a joint letter to Calandra, ministry-appointed supervisors, directors of education, and educational associations.

They stated they are “compelled to speak publicly about troubling decisions being made behind closed doors and the impact they are having on our public schools.”

The ETFO letter detailed a “pattern of choices imposed without transparency, meaningful consultation, or any clear connection to students’ needs.” Instead, these decisions are perceived as being “driven almost exclusively by deep cost-cutting, with little regard for fixing the long-term funding formula consequences for learning and working conditions.”

The educators also noted that in some instances, supervisors are increasing costs through high salaries and discretionary funds, contradicting the government’s assertion that supervisors would improve efficiency.

“Supervisors are encountering the same systemic challenges that locally elected trustees faced, demonstrating that the issues are structural, not the result of local governance,” the letter argued.

These concerns echo broader union sentiments.

“It’s not going to fix it if they don’t start funding it appropriately,” said Mike Thomas, head of the ETFO Thames Valley Local.

He added that the current focus on basic academics overlooks crucial supports students need.

“Their individual needs aren’t being met,” he said.

ETFO estimates Ontario school boards are underfunded by over $6.3 billion, a figure that contributes to growing demands on school staff as they increasingly grapple with students experiencing emotional and psychological crises.

Adding to the anxiety, school boards have begun warning CUPE locals about potential mass layoffs for education workers in September 2026, following the expiry of current collective agreements in August.

In Thames Valley, Education Director Bill Tucker indicated that “every department will be under scrutiny” as the board projects a $2.5 million special education shortfall for 2025-26, contributing to an overall deficit of $5.6 million. These potential cuts come as schools already struggle to meet student needs due to years of inadequate funding and understaffing.

Mary Henry is president of CUPE Local 4222, which represents various employment categories, including custodians, maintenance workers, and IT staff. She expressed deep concern over the situation in Thames Valley.

“The board has already signaled potential staffing cuts, and students are not receiving the supports they need and deserve with the current staffing crisis,” Henry said.

She questioned the government’s strategy.

“Are you doing it the right way?” she asked. “We haven’t seen anything that is proving that it’s being done the right way.”

Henry also pointed to the irony of appointing a supervisor costing $350,000 while the system claims to be addressing waste.

President of CUPE 7575 Rebecca Avey highlighted the importance of proactive negotiations for job security.

“Being proactive and reaching a fair contract early helps prevent instability and uncertainty for workers, students, and families,” Avey said.

She described a workplace strained by “increased workloads, burnout, and a workplace where members feel disrespected, deflated, and are being injured far too often.”

The impact on students she said is “undeniable,” with underfunding leading to a lack of necessary academic, social, and emotional supports.

“Students are witnessing escalating violence in schools, and that takes a real toll on their well-being,” Avey noted.

Unions representing teachers at both elementary and secondary levels, along with most support staff, are seeking new collective bargaining agreements this fall, with contracts set to expire just a week before the school year begins. Unions argue the current per-pupil funding formula is failing students.

The current agreement expires at the end of August, meaning talks could commence as early as March.