Seeking respect and accountability from the employer, Travel Assistants and Lunchroom Supervisors in the Peel District School Board (PDSB) voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining OPSEU/SEFPO.
Travel Assistants usually ride the school bus or van to support students who may be medically fragile and need a Travel Assistant with them for personal care and/or mobility assistance to ensure a safe trip to and from school. Other students may have behavioural challenges and need to be accompanied on the way to school or home.
Lunchroom Supervisors ensure students can enjoy their meal safely. They create a safe space free from bullying and intimidation. Lunchroom Supervisors supervise students in the schoolyard and support social interactions.
“As a public sector union, OPSEU/SEFPO recognizes and prioritizes the critical work performed by education workers and we’re so excited to welcome Travel Assistants and Lunchroom Supervisors from Peel! These are frontline, student-facing staff who, like many other frontline OPSEU/SEFPO members, are experiencing an increase in workplace violence. They have very real concerns about their health and safety and by voting to join a union, they’re saying enough is enough. We can’t wait to work with them!” said OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick.
Over 600 Travel Assistants and 2500 Lunchroom Supervisors are joining 4000 existing OPSEU/SEFPO members in the PDSB. The workers are mostly South Asian and Caribbean women and have been historically exploited by the employer. It takes courage to unite against an exploitative employer – especially when it’s work that you care deeply about.
“We’re excited and proud you’re joining our sector” said Sandra Cadeau, chair of the OPSEU/SEFPO Boards of Education and Cultural Institutions (Sector 3). “Like many of our Education Workers, our new members who are Travel Assistants and Lunchroom Supervisors are crucial to keeping students safe. The PDSB laid off over 500 Education Workers at the beginning of the school year, so it’s more critical than ever for workers to have a united voice.”
The work Travel Assistants and Lunchroom Supervisors do is incredibly important. OPSEU/SEFPO is proud to stand with you.