CUPE 1453, the union representing over 700 education workers at the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB), is expressing deep concern over escalating staffing issues that threaten the quality of education and the safety of school environments across the region.
The union is gravely concerned about the Board’s recent announcement that, beginning next school year, there will be 23 fewer Educational Assistants (EAs) in the system. This decision comes at a time when the school board is already facing a severe shortage of support staff. CUPE 1453 says this move is unacceptable and will only worsen the dangerous conditions already present in PVNCCDSB schools.
“I am deeply concerned about the ongoing understaffing of Educational Assistants within our schools,” said Nora Shaughnessy, President of CUPE 1453. “This chronic shortage places an immense strain on our workers, leading to significant mental and physical health challenges. Our EAs are being pushed to the limit every day—and now the Board plans to cut even more of them? It’s completely unacceptable.”
The chronic shortage of EAs has led to escalating physical and mental health issues among staff, many of whom are working through breaks and lunches just to meet the needs of students. According to a CUPE survey of Local 1453 education workers, over 96 percent of EAs say they face violent or disruptive incidents at work, and half say it happens every day. Overburdened and unsupported, EAs are facing burnout and increased risk of workplace injury.
“Our members are forced to manage growing caseloads with fewer resources. They’re running on empty—and students are paying the price,” Shaughnessy said.
The effects on students are just as dire. With fewer EAs in classrooms, students who rely on one-on-one or specialized support are being left behind. Classrooms are frequently evacuated due to violent episodes, disrupting the learning environment and putting both students and staff at risk.
At the same time, rising enrolment is adding new classrooms—but without a corresponding increase in custodial staff. This means these spaces are not being properly cleaned or disinfected, compounding health and safety concerns for everyone in the school community.
“The Board continues to ignore the very real consequences of understaffing,” said Shaughnessy. “Despite raising these issues repeatedly at health and safety and labour-management meetings, PVNC Catholic refuses to even acknowledge the workplace violence crisis unfolding in its schools.”
CUPE 1453 stresses that workplace safety must be non-negotiable and calls on PVNC Catholic trustees and management to take immediate action.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
