CUPE 1238 and the Ontario School Board Council of Unions are criticizing a proposal by the Lambton Kent District School Board that could eliminate 22 custodial positions across the district.
In a statement released Tuesday, the unions said the proposed cuts would negatively affect both workers and school environments.
“These cuts are devastating for our members and for the schools they work in every day,” CUPE 1238 president Carrie Hopper said. “Custodians are essential frontline workers who keep schools clean, safe, and functioning for students and staff. Eliminating these positions will increase workloads, create more stress and injuries for workers, and ultimately impact the learning environment for students.”
According to the unions, the board plans to create 12 new custodial positions with a higher rate of pay, but current employees whose jobs are eliminated would be required to apply for the new positions.
“Our members are being told their jobs are disappearing, only to be asked to compete for fewer positions,” Hopper said. “That creates uncertainty and anxiety for workers who have dedicated years of service to this board and their school communities.”
CUPE 1238 represents education workers employed by the Lambton Kent District School Board. The union said staff across multiple classifications are already dealing with increased workloads and stress, adding the proposed cuts would place further pressure on remaining custodial staff while affecting school cleanliness and maintenance.
The Ontario School Board Council of Unions said the situation reflects broader concerns surrounding education funding in the province.
“What we’re seeing at LKDSB is part of a broader pattern, where education workers are being asked to pay the price for underfunding,” OSBCU president Joe Tigani said. “These are the people who support students with special needs, maintain safe schools and ensure schools function every day. Cutting these workers hurts everyone.”
The unions are calling on the province to increase education funding and urging the school board to reverse the proposed cuts.
“Students deserve safe, supported learning environments,” Tigani said. “That starts with investing in the workers who make that possible. The OSBCU stands behind CUPE 1238 members as they fight back. We are united in defending good jobs, protecting vital services, and pushing back against a system that continues to undervalue education workers and the students they serve.”
