By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Education workers in Windsor-area school boards say chronic underfunding and severe understaffing are creating a crisis that is leaving students’ needs unmet and workers at risk, according to a recent survey conducted by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU).
The survey, which included over 12,000 education workers across Ontario — with more than 1,800 respondents from Windsor-area boards — highlights critical issues within the Greater Essex County District School Board, the Windsor Essex County Catholic District School Board, and the Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence. Key findings include widespread understaffing across all roles, increased violence against workers, and disruptions to learning environments due to a lack of resources.
The report revealed that local boards are grappling with significant real per-pupil funding cuts in the 2024-25 school year. The Greater Essex County District School Board faced a reduction of at least $40 million, while the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board and the Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence faced cuts of $24 million and $9 million, respectively.
These reductions are straining staff and resources. Over 72 per cent of respondents reported experiencing violent or disruptive incidents in their workplace, with 90 per cent of Educational Assistants (EAs) and Child and Youth Workers (CYWs) encountering such incidents — 45 per cent of them daily.
CUPE locals representing Windsor-area education workers say the shortage of staff across all job classifications — including Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, custodians, and secretaries — is leading to delays in school cleaning, overdue repairs, and unmet student needs.
Additionally, many workers are performing unpaid labour to fill gaps, the equivalent of nearly 42 full-time jobs.
“Our members are working tirelessly to support students, but the lack of funding and resources means students and workers alike are being failed by the system,” said Ken Adair, president of CUPE 1358.
“The strain is leading to burnout and low morale among staff, who continue to show up for students despite these dire conditions.”
CUPE education workers are urging the Ontario government to increase school board funding, address understaffing, and implement measures to curb workplace violence.
“It is abundantly clear that Ontario’s education system is at a breaking point,” said Joe Tigani, president of OSBCU.
“For years, the Ford government has cut billions in education funding, causing extreme understaffing, increased violence, and neglect of students’ needs. The government must invest in our students and education workers immediately.”
Anne-Marie Dimario, president of CUPE Local 1348, pointed out that funding cuts are forcing boards to make difficult decisions, such as cutting specialized programming and positions that support vulnerable students.
“Our students deserve a well-funded education system that meets all their needs,” Dimario said.
CUPE education workers warn that without immediate action, the challenges in Windsor-area schools will only deepen, further compromising the quality of education and student safety.
The OSBCU, which represents more than 57,000 education workers across Ontario, continues to advocate for increased funding and staffing to address these urgent issues.
CUPE and OSBCU leaders say it’s time for the Ford government to prioritize public education and invest in the resources needed to give students, parents, and workers the support they deserve.
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