Update as of November 7, 2022: The FESA Executive is glad to see that CUPE and the Ontario government have come to an agreement to re-enter negotiations. We hope that the Province enters these negotiations in good faith and listens to the needs of education support workers to ensure the best learning environment for all children. Remember, our work conditions are their learning conditions!

November 4, 2022
The University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Education Students’ Association Executive stands in solidarity with Ontario education workers who began strike action on Friday November 4th in response to the Ontario legislature passing Bill 28, which imposes an unfair contract and directly disregards workers' rights to assemble and bargain collectively. During this time, we hope students within the Bachelor of Education program take time to support education workers in whatever capacity they can. As current and future educators, we understand how integral education support workers are to the learning process and community and should do whatever we can to support our current and future colleagues’ fight for a fair contract.

If you would like to know more about what is happening and ways that you can support education workers, take a look at our list below:

• CUPE strike: Here’s everything you need to know: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/11/03/cupe-strike-heres-everything-you-need-to-know.html

• Write a letter to your MPP demanding they take action, or use one of CUPE’s pre-written letters: https://cupe.on.ca/dontbeabully/

• Find a CUPE Picket Line near you (make sure to follow safety directions provided by strike captains!): https://cupe.on.ca/dontbeabully/

• Follow @cupeontario and @cupe_scfp on Instagram and share their messages

• Use the hashtag #IStandWithCUPE

• Wear purple clothing to show your support

In solidarity,

The Faculty of Education Students’ Association Executive