A union representing employees at the French-language Catholic school board serving Windsor-Essex is calling the board to task over potential layoffs.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4299, which represents support workers at Conseil scolaire catholique (CSC) Providence, has "condemned" a plan by the board to lay off between 40 and 50 of these employees before the 2026-27 school year.
"The board had other choices, but instead they’ve chosen to balance their budget on the backs of our members," said CUPE Local 4299 President Anthony Cutrone in a media release. "We will not stand by while dozens of families lose their livelihoods and students lose critical supports."
Joe Tigani, president of the Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU), added that this is yet another example of the ongoing struggle with schools being underfunded.
"What we’re seeing at CSC Providence is part of a broader pattern, where education workers are being asked to pay the price for underfunding," said Tigani. "These are the people who support students with special needs, maintain safe schools, and ensure schools function every day. Cutting these workers hurts everyone."
CUPE has reported that the board is facing a $3.3-million deficit. If the cuts are implemented as is, it will represent about 9.5 per cent of the board's full-time workforce.
Both CUPE and the OSBCU have urged the board to reconsider the layoffs, and the Ontario Ministry of Education to address school board underfunding.
CSC Providence covers most of southwestern Ontario, with 23 French Catholic elementary schools and eight secondary schools.
WindsorNewsToday.ca reached out to CSC Providence for additional details. In an email, Director of Education Carolyn Bastien confirmed the deficit.
"Like many school boards across Ontario, we are facing significant financial pressures," said Bastien. "Our priority remains the success and well-being of students. As we await the release of the funding allocations for the 2026-2027 school year, trustees and staff are actively engaged in the budget process, and respectful discussions are ongoing with our union partners."
