New report shows increasing workplace violence in schools

Research by University of Ottawa researchers should be a wakeup call for the Ontario government.

Punching, biting, kicking and throwing things at educational assistants and teachers are increasing at alarming rates.

A key factor is lack of funding that leads to overcrowded classrooms, fewer educational assistants and unequal access to assessments for students.

“These are exactly the conditions that exacerbate workplace violence,” says Dr. Chris Bruckert, Chair of the Department of Criminology, who launched the Violence and Harassment Against Educators Project in 2018.

Evacuating the classroom has become almost a daily occurrence for many education workers. Nearly half the 6,000 support staff and teachers who were interviewed also reported harassment from parents.

This epidemic of violence is bad not only for workers but for students. How long will the Ford government continue to live in denial and financially starve our Ontario education system?

https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/news-all/distressing-levels-workplace-violence-ontario-schools

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This was a chance to show the power of workers coming together and to work towards building a better future - one that protects Canadian workers and jobs.

Speakers at the convention included CLC President Bea Bruske who spoke to the challenges of unemployment, tariffs and wealth disparity within the workforce.

“Canadian workers are being squeezed from every direction,” said Bruske. “Donald Trump’s trade war is putting jobs and industries at risk. Austerity and cuts to public services are weakening the supports workers and families rely on. At the same time, employers are using automation, AI, and algorithms to increase insecurity and weaken protections on the job. Workers are standing together to fight back".

COPE Ontario is so proud of it's members who represented us at the convention!

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Angus delivered a passionate call for Canadian unity in the face of rising authoritarianism south of the border, urging members to recognize the historic significance of Canada's collective economic boycott of the United States. A movement largely overlooked by mainstream media, Angus argued it represents a defining moment for Canadians, and one that labour must lead.

National Day of Mourning

Today (April 28) is National Day of Mourning, a solemn day where we remember the many workers killed or injured on the job.

Every year, more than 1,000 die because of workplace injury and illness.

But we also remember the countless others who live with the scars — mental and physical — of unhealthy workplaces.

As is becoming ever clearer, the workplace can impact the mind and soul of a worker, and frequently on-the-job stressors are brought home and impact family life.

Employees have a right to a workplace that's safe in every way — physically and psychologically.

Let's keep that right top of mind on this very special day.