Striking CUPE members at Blaisdale Montessori School reject contract offer

TORONTO, ON—/COMMUNITYWIRE/—Montessori teachers and support staff at Blaisdale Montessori School have voted overwhelming to reject the employer’s latest offer, prolonging the strike for fair wages and a fair contract.

“The CUPE Local 5257 members at Blaisdale Montessori School are dedicated, loyal, and highly-skilled Montessori teachers and support staff who deserve to be treated with respect,” says Sara Lorne, CUPE Local 5257. “Blaisdale’s offer is an insult to the loyal members who work at this private-school that has been a successful business for more than 50 years.”

The strike began on Monday, November 16, 2020 after the employer refused to offer any wage enhancements for the first two years of the agreement or address the large cohort of staff who earn minimum wage.

“CUPE Local 5257 members continue to stand united during this pandemic and during bargaining and they’ve shown incredible resolve to improve the lives of students who attend Blaisdale Montessori School,” continued Lorne. “Our bargaining committee will be meeting to discuss next steps and is committed to bargaining a fair contract that reflects the dedication and loyalty of these Montessori teachers and support staff.”

Striking Montessori teachers and support staff are holding picket lines at each of Blaisdale Montessori School’s campuses, including those in Pickering, Oshawa, Bowmanville, and select locations in Ajax.

For picket line information and more, visit www.cupe.on.ca/SupportCUPE5257.

CUPE Local 5257 represents more than 100 Montessori teachers and support staff at Blaisdale Montessori School.

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For more information, please contact:

Paul Whyte, CUPE Communications, 647-212-9887