627.2K
LIAs an Educational Assistant I was more likely to be assaulted at work that my police officer husband.
The level of skill required support the complex physical, emotional, behavioural and academic needs of these children is high. Many EAs have to go to college to get these jobs. They average less than $39,000 a year. As a supply, I made less than $17 an hour. Many of the (predominantly) women in this profession are living below the poverty line because of the pay.
Last month I got a cheque for $250 from @sflecce which was apparently going to cover the cost of kids getting behind in school over the last few years. All together that was $465 million dollars to Ontario parents. $235M would have avoided a strike.
If the strike happens that money will be gone to childcare in no time. Make it make sense.
Class sizes are bursting. Children with IEP’s and who require extra supports are skyrocketing. Education is being slashed again and again and most parents have no idea what it is actually like inside an Ontario classroom. Teachers and support staff are doing everything they humanly can to keep our system afloat and its just not enough.
Custodians, secretaries, EA’s, ECE’s and other technical staff are the backbone of our schools. People are leaving these positions because its too much and they are not paid enough to deal with what they have to deal with.
These people love and support your kids everyday. They are NOT salaried and dont get paid summer off. More than half take on second jobs.
They tried to bargain for this in the summer so it wouldn’t affect kids. The government wouldn’t do it.
@slecce is trying to take the right away for them to strike while ignoring their desperate cries for help. Not just more money, for more support. For the workload to be manageable.
If a strike happens. It’s on the government. Please let these workers know you support them. Our kids deserve better.
#onted #ontpoli #ontario #ontariostrike #supportEAs #onterrible #istandwithCUPE
@libbyward
