"I'm angry" - Sid's thoughts on today's education worker strike

Thousands of CUPE education workers are preparing to walk off the job today. Sid shares his thoughts on the matter.
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[@ayela562]

My daughter is an EA and makes 31k a year. She works with a very specialized group of teens who are traumatized and she is threatened, spit at , verbally abused weekly . She spends her own money to buy them snacks because they come without food . She LOVES her job and she loves those teens. She’s not alone . There are staff that take my breath away with their empathy and dedication. She doesn’t want another job , she wants to be able to do what she does best and pay her bills . You know where these kids end up if she and her colleagues don’t care ? Prison or DEAD. Fords assault on these workers should be terrifying to all of us who believe that a fair days work should mean you can eat and pay your bills .

[@davidrichardson5958]

The EA's deserve the full support and pay increases they are asking for. A good EA is worth their weight in gold. My sincere respect for your daughter and her commitment to her students.

[@tedflowerpot6468]

I’m sure she works very hard and I thank her for her work. I have zero education and all I would have to do is pass a background check and I could have the same job. What I’m saying is she might feel like she’s special and she’s doing a great job, but that job can be replaced in ten seconds.

[@menotyou7762]

bullshit expect the abuse from all the messed up people that should not be in a regular school. the "special" people need to have their own facilities to deal with their garbage. your daughter may make 31k now and I doubt she does but after a few years wow the special ed teachers do get kicked up in pay

[@poijupoij]

What did she think she was going to make?

[@ayela562]

@@tedflowerpot6468 and that zero education is showing.

[@tanyapobuda]

You literally can't live on $39K in Toronto without needing a second job or needing to access food banks. Doug Ford is not only incompetent, he's also cruel.

[@laurabailey1054]

Ford only cares about himself. He gave the MPPs a 16k raise. He forces the most vulnerable in the province to live in abject poverty.

[@sowhat8307]

Yes! Cruel!

[@coolbuddydude1]

Funny they believe this is how a society should be. A city where it's workers are priced out.

[@robs1714]

Who is holding a gun to their head to stay there?

[@titusmccarthy]

@@robs1714 Where should they work, Cletus? Are you pointing a gun at their heads telling them to work someplace else?

[@catv4006]

In 2017, I left my job as a front-line community worker for a small charity in Ontario. We were a small staff of 6 people and relied on foundation funding. My salary when leaving was 31K. I CANNOT believe EA's make the same I made in 2017 working for a broke-ass charity. guys, thats NUTS

[@dinomarchioli3650]

they are working part time and they are entry level jobs. What has happen to this country where people whine insesantly about their lot in life. The taxpayer's are tapped out. I have a great idea, next time you do your tac return, forego your refund or send in an extra 1,000...and ask them to apply it to their jobs...I thought so, easy to spend other people's money when it is not your money.

[@SonnyHendrixx]

@@dinomarchioli3650 I work 12 months a year. Not every member is an EA. But you’re a moron without an education so why would you be pro edu workers.

[@Caesar316]

@@dinomarchioli3650 ...no they don't work part-time and no these are not "entry level jobs". The amount of disinformation in these comments is ridiculous.

[@jasonsparks4887]

Yup wife's T4 was almost $37.000 as an Education assistant.

[@coolbuddydude1]

@@dinomarchioli3650 Yeah they are working part time that is why they're not at work today lol

[@litterboxstudios]

“Incompetent” is way too generous. They ARE incompetent, but they’re also cruel and malicious. They hate teachers and education workers, and the working class as a whole.

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

Cruel and malicious, because they're -- finally -- standing up to union tantrums?

[@choppa9688]

based on teachers salary they are not working class, education workers are. Teachers are just greedy. The education workers are the grunts of the teaching world, they get the most difficult cases and kids. Teachers get to sit back and tell them what to do while making $100k+ and an inflation indexed pension.

[@litterboxstudios]

@@choppa9688 CUPE doesn’t represent teachers, this is other education workers who make an average of $39,000 a year. But teachers are supporting their colleagues here and ALL labour has to stick together to defend our basic rights.

[@ChickenJane70]

They hate unions.

[@rbrucerye]

I disagree Sid. This government knows EXACTLY what it's doing ... and therein lies the problem.

[@talyncormier4214]

Either way it's incompetence and it's a goddamn disgrace. Makes me sick

[@user-pc7mg8zj2i]

I agree! I think the government planned this all along. They don’t care about the kids being in class they just want to attack unions and people who work in education.

[@Millyboy58]

... and if it were your constitutional right.. ... yeah.. you'd be whining for the next 10 years.. how about look around and take a real close look. The problem is clearly the government and over reaching. You backing that, makes you part of the problem.

[@jeremyrunciman241]

I'm from the government and I'm here to help, scariest words you will ever hear...

[@donnywhite3961]

Fn right they have an agenda they r well versed in what their doing f the trudo gov

[@808v1]

blows me away that one of the most important professions for the future of our society is always treated so poorly.

[@albertastorms]

Should a cashier make more than 50k a year as well as teachers? or should only teachers?

[@fast2ghl]

@@captain_dave_dave9517 pretty sure police officers have a - on average - fairly difficult job, let alone the daily risk, much more than any janitor, secretary, or EA ever will. I think they deserve their pay, cause most people, dont want their jobs.

[@nimrodery]

@@fast2ghl Police not even in the top ten for dangerous professions, and when you're essentially an armed gang that protects rich people, you're unfortunately the one making your job dangerous.

[@ardendragoon]

@@fast2ghl nope, they are tax collectors. All overpaid, all guvt workers are, including these union assholes.

[@krisskross8985]

Welcome to the club... everyone is treated poorly these days. It's much easier to take when you get benefits and a pension added to your salary!

[@martinsundland7614]

I'd like to see legislation forcing MPPs back to work instead of getting raises whenever they feel like it.

[@donm2067]

Hey, to be fair, they vote on it.

[@MonoPrime]

Why would they lmao? The whole trick of Conservative MP’s is “Rules for thee not rules for me”.

[@martinsundland7614]

@@donm2067 They vote on what affects themselves - we're talking about people who don't get to vote on their own situation.

[@lunchmoney4712]

Getting a raise whenever they feel like it? EAs on average get $39’000 a year and over the past 10 years have fallen behind the rate of inflation

[@mervinprone]

MPPs haven’t had a pay raise since 2008, so they think nobody else should.

[@jackiej9580]

I totally feel your anger and I so agree with you Sid.Thank you for supporting CUPE workers. Sending blessings...

[@Deabeatdad]

Nailed it. Great job. Every point was spot on. Thanks

[@kermitfrog593]

Sid needs his own half hour daily show. He will make Canadian politics interesting and people will start paying attention. The powers that be should fear this man.

[@mariamadsen7071]

I'll second that!!! He is the reason I started to watch BT again!

[@kermitfrog593]

@@annveronica7795 Boring cynicism, like I haven't seen that before.

[@michaelcopper613]

@@annveronica7795 So in 2019 he was paid to say the Jackets would lose in 5 games against Boston? Doesn't make a lot of sense to me, who would be paying him to say that? I bet the many Bruins fans at Sportsnet paid him to say it

[@michaelcopper613]

@@annveronica7795 Why does it matter so much to you? At least he's speaking on the compassionate side of a very important debate

[@kermitfrog593]

@@annveronica7795 Well hear it again, you clearly didn't get the message the first time.

[@SnipeyDaSniper]

Teachers WANT to be standing with their colleagues today, but they aren't in a legal strike position, and Ontario school boards have fired teachers for doing so before. It's easy to tell people to do something when it isn't your job on the line. Their union is strong but can't protect them from being fired on a day like today.

[@katbandit26]

Exactly...I'm a teacher and I WISH I could be out there with them. But I agree that our union in the past and present IS cowardly. Too afraid to ruffle feather or stick up for ourselves and others. They talk the talk, but don't walk the walk.

[@mervinprone]

@@katbandit26 You need to walk the walk. They can’t fire every teacher.

[@poijupoij]

@@katbandit26 Don't worry you will be on strike again

[@susango123]

@@katbandit26 Exactly. I am an OT and I am disgusted that OTBU (Occasional Teachers) and OSSTF has not said or done any form of support. I pretty much hate all of them.

[@23ADeathTech]

That sounds like coercion. We've seen this before, just a year ago. There was no public outcry. Why should anyone have any sympathy now? Do as your told, Charter "rights" are just privileges. You will be crushed for your defiance.

[@tridentyyz]

Educational workers are easy targets, which is why the Gov't is always clubbing them. Telling a Union to remove a strike threat while your Gov't is rushing through a bill that violates their Charter rights and imposes a settlement is not really how to negotiate in good faith.

[@elduderino3236]

This is because we (as a society) set a precedent by allowing the violation of our Charter of Rights during the Pandemic. Violating rights means nothing to a Government that isn't held accountable to it's people.

[@tridentyyz]

@@elduderino3236 there are hearings going on in Ottawa right now looking into this, Doug Ford is avoiding these hearings despite saying he would testify. Also, the party who is ruling in Canada is accountable to Parliament, not the people.

[@Caesar316]

@@elduderino3236 none of your rights were violated during the pandemic. Certain privileges were restricted to protect people's lives. Not even remotely the same thing.

[@Alex_Mitchell]

@@elduderino3236 Nonsense. Non sequitur.

[@saltymonkey8874]

@@Caesar316 Go tell that to the people that lost their business, their homes and their friends. Your trash if you don't think government way over stepped

[@darrensmith6801]

I think either the Ontario taxpayers or the voting public needs to start forcing our government, both federal and provincial, to authorize pay raises for all politicians. They give themselves pay raises several times during their time in office, and never answer for it, and currently anyone striking or about to strike will be forced back to work at less money. The citizens of this province work hard for little pay.

[@uh4975]

I AM SO HAPPY THE PUBLIC IS AWARE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S ABUSE OF POWER. WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROTEST

[@robing9207]

Love this!! You are so right!! Stay strong CUPE!

[@hook275]

EAs lowest paid and encountered various forms of harm throughout their work day. I WHOLE Heartedly Support them and the challenges they face helping struggling families living with physical and mentally challenged individuals. ❤️

[@ryana3679]

Imagine going to be in infantry right now. Making minimum wage a seeing the horrors of war while being yelled at everyday by bosses you can’t talk back to. Ya EAs are in a tough spot.

[@hook275]

@@ryana3679 what?

[@joes5192]

@@hook275 EAs make more than a lot of soldiers is the man's point and he's right. Support workers in school aren't paid for their summers or school holidays. They are not full time employees and collect EI when they aren't working. Context is everything

[@nimrodery]

@@joes5192 While soldiers routinely deal with mentally handicapped individuals, it's not a part of the job. Just accepting or giving orders, and being in a "combat zone" far, far away from where anybody could actually shoot at you.

[@nimrodery]

@@ryana3679 Yeah we can talk back to our bosses it's no big deal nothing bad ever happens. LOL at least soldiers get witnesses.

[@chefbennyj]

Yeah, EA's need to be paid more. I hope they all get their raises. It's very important. I do t care so much about teacher raises, but EA's need raises.

[@nickchemist723]

Maybe take the money from teachers salaries than ?

[@chefbennyj]

@@kookoo6128 this is a troll. I'm not falling for it Koo Koo. You obviously don't understand what EAs have to do for their job. My family has been very fortunate to have had one of the best EAs to help out son get through school. With out her it would have been extremely difficult to be able to keep a full time job, because the school would have called us everyday to come and pick him up. We owe a lot to her. Koo Koo you are an idiot. 😆

[@matthewadams3751]

I used to work as an Education Assistant. I also am a parent. Education Assistants are pivotal in supporting the safety and deliverance in the education sector. When I was an education assistant I earned $32,000 per year. They are not paid nearly enough for such an important role in supporting children of Canada. I am so proud of them for standing up for their rights! Teachers should be out there supporting them too; without Education Assistants, the education system would collapse, and teachers would not be able to run their class. It so important to stand by each other as a cohesive unit. Of course parents want their kids in school! In a SAFE school system. If Education Assistants are not able to eat or support their families because their wages are so low, they will not stay in their jobs. Now, how are you going to attract new talent , when they need to go to school, to incur student loan debt, for a job which does not even financially support the basic necessities of life. What will parents do then!? Classrooms are loaded with children who need extra support. Without this support children would not receive anywhere near quality education. Trying to strip away peoples rights is a slippery slope. It is ludicrous. Shameful - how does the government sleep at night? Horrible. Thank you for advocating for these workers, for the education system and the future of our children’s right to quality education.

[@nickchemist723]

Strike in July and august and stop holding families hostage and using the children you claim to care so much about as leverage . That’s when you will get more support

[@badcad641]

Do u tip? U know u can tip them right?

[@cooperdaloop]

I live for a Sid rant! This man always calls out the right damn people every single time!

[@rohankurian5641]

👊🔥✌

[@jedro86]

I’ve never heard of Sid, but I’m thankful this network visually and vocally supports Canadian’s rights. We’re all angry Sid!!

[@paulmetcalfe3721]

These people work 6 hour days, have crazy vacation, health benefits and pension with virtually no education. If 40k wasn’t appealing, why take the job in the first place? Their demands, at a time when everyone is hurting, are fairly outrageous. Also, don’t hide behind the kids with faux concern for their well-being. Teachers unions across the board have bullied governments into submission repeatedly. When a government stands their ground, they hold you and your kids hostage. What is amazing too is that kids are testing lower and lower in standardized tests. If I could opt out of paying taxes to these jokers and put my kids in private school, I would unquestioningly.

[@joansalter7453]

You go Sid. Appreciate your feelings.

[@rohankurian5641]

💪🇨🇦💪🇨🇦💪🇨🇦

[@iriedude598]

What if the answer is, we don't have the money to fund the system? Where does it all come from anyway?

[@darrens.e1118]

We don't have the money we have over $400 billion dollars in debt it will just get worse with interest rates now rising

[@tassosplatis2143]

Everyone wants more money because inflation is out of control

[@fhfhddhdhd5003]

Go to a corner then

[@UserIS27]

Facts

[@yourfather8303]

I read most of the comments and only agree with yours lol

[@allanc5743]

Blame the Liberals for inflation.

[@fhfhddhdhd5003]

@@allanc5743 your mother blames you

[@anthonygrossi1774]

Woah woah woah Sid....Teacher's were told by school boards that they had to be in class today. We cannot simply do what we want because then we will be punished....I support my CUPE brethren 100% but we have to play by our school board's rules. When our teachers were locked out, CUPE had to go to school. We knew they supported us, just as we stand by them.

[@titusmccarthy]

Rules are meant to be broken.

[@stevenhendry8091]

Keeping kids in class was not @fordnation's only job... Fact.. The government is not incompetent, CUPE is trying to right the wrongs of salary inequity that existed long before the Ford administration came to Queen's Park. 18% over three years is not realistic for taxpayers. That is why the supposed bat came out. Kids and their families cannot afford a long walkout. If he were to allow for collective bargaining, this would go forever. It is time for CUPE to get real. 18%

[@Atchison949]

As if the teacher's union would allow any of their paying members to be fired for supporting another union- one that represents people who support YOU. Come up with a better excuse

[@ThePurpleGirl314]

@@kookoo6128 CUPE education workers haven't been on strike in 36 years. They've had regular negotiations, they've done work-to-rule, they've threatened to strike, but they've always come to an agreement.

[@lmo6697]

The government had more than one job. In addition to keeping kids in class, they also had to deal with long term care and the elderly and our healthcare system in general.

[@laurabailey1054]

And the disabled who are always forgotten about and live in abject poverty. Ford sat on federal funds that were supposed to go to education, healthcare and the disabled he then claimed he saved money and put it on the deficit. He also gave MPPs a 16k raise

[@user-pc7mg8zj2i]

Yeah and the government is doing a fine job at breaking down our healthcare system too.

[@janetedwards6236]

Which will be a lot harder to afford if we keep giving into greedy union demands. Even cleaners make above average for what they do. These are NOT being exploited and abused, and i've quit jobs that didn't pay enough or i didn't like for some reason. I didd sit on my ass and refused to work derailing children's futures. until i get my own way. I dont understand how anyone can support their temper tamtrum, its sickening.

[@janetedwards6236]

Maybe you people will finally come to your senses (if you have any) when you taxes are through the roof or you can't afford to keep your grandmother, in a home anymore or the operation your kid needs because its no longer covered. Governments went broke giving into greedy unions!

[@isabellaferritto954]

Thank you kind sir. You are a blessing. We need to fight!

[@jhenvi7600]

So shameful and outrageous disregard to workers rights!

[@janetedwards6236]

It is NOT a right is it a privilege, one that is been abused by greedy entitled, people acting like babies!!! SId doesn't know what low paying is!!! I couldn't finish listening to his profoundly stupid rant,. Kids aren't in class because the order is being ignored by greedy whiners whose pay and benefit packages I could only dream of despite 30 years in the workforce.!!

[@janetedwards6236]

And the government has to stand up to unions, they don't have a choice, they tied negotiating and offered a fair deal, btw I've never had yearly raises of any kind, and only get a raise when my performance warrants it. If the government gives in to their ridiculous demands, it means higher taxes and or fewer support programs for the rest of us including the poor. who unlike them, don't have good wages for what they do,, steady jobs, pension plans and benefits and perks. Support staff are not the victims they're the bullies. For once i agree with the government!

[@nickchemist723]

Yeah ? And what about nurses , PSWs , police , paramedics etc . Should they be allowed to walk off their jobs and strike ? Time To make teachers and those working in schools essential workers . Long overdue or do you think students not getting an education essential ?

[@seanparlan]

Gov't cowardice. How does't the gov't give itself a raise, but can't pay one of the highest working/lowest paid sectors?

[@ghoponit]

Because they are criminals

[@gisellasturino2877]

I guess there's a slush fund buried somewhere that we don't have privy to

[@mathias8627]

Yet he keeps getting elected, Ontario keeps voting for him despite one display of incompetence after another... You get what you vote for

[@T_Rev1972]

They are not in class because of the union walkout. It is not the government keeping them out. Why are education workers not classified as essential workers? Education is essential. It is no different than first responders who are not allowed to strike and must take what is bargained for them. Many of whom do not get three months of unemployment funded by all taxpayers! This is also about job security. If they think they can get more in the private sector then they are more than welcome to leave the feeding trough and seek a better, stable job elsewhere. Nothing is keeping them where they are, other than trying to bilk taxpayers for more. Taxpayers are getting really tired of continuously funding sub par public performance!

[@nmelodic6391]

It is the government keeping them out when the government on purpose bargained in bad faith, and then REFUSED to bargain and just demanded the EAs and others give up their right to strike, AND THEN passed a law that violates their Charter rights!

[@theyonlycomeoutwhenitsquiet]

The Ontario government's position seemed to be, going in, "Take away your leverage or we won't negotiate with you. We won't listen to you on an even footing. We only negotiate from a position of power."

[@Optimisticaries1981]

That is called Dictatorship.

[@jasoncorbiere795]

@@Optimisticaries1981 right, every level of Government uses it power in a nasty way, look no further then then Covid

[@23ADeathTech]

Sounds familiar... hmm... when was the last time they leveraged and coerced people and threatened their livelihoods? Something something jabs or jobs.

[@theyonlycomeoutwhenitsquiet]

@@23ADeathTech I think you've just made a false equivalence between people protesting unjust work relations and people refusing to protect and safeguard their communities by looking after their own health in ways that are by no means either onerous or unprecedented. That sort of logical fallacy might lead you to a lot of wrongheaded conclusions. Better compare an apple with an apple than compare an apple to a donkey.

[@ghoponit]

@@theyonlycomeoutwhenitsquiet how is taking something that doesn’t stop transmission protecting your community?

[@jennifermazzuca6976]

I would argue that the Ford government DOES know what they’re doing. They want privatized or two-tier education. AND teachers did support our CUPE brother and sisters today. We went out and protested during breaks. We’ve talked about the issues in person and on social media. We’ve refused to do any work that is beyond the scope of our jobs. We’ve done what we can do for now, but stay tuned.

[@Harbinger343]

Was this clown as angry over the federal governments use of the emergency act? I doubt it. Not a cause he supports, so trampling on their charter rights was acceptable.

[@NavyMoo5e]

Dougy used the act so that the workers could not walk out and strike, depriving the kids of their school days. They were still willing to negotiate, but used the act to avoid a walk out. This guy is so emotional he’s not making sense.

[@mariamadsen7071]

Love Love Love you Sid! You are a breath of fresh on this media platform, thankful for people like you for shining a light of truth and hope! ❤

[@sawtooth808]

Well, Ontario, you *HAD* a choice, instead *52%* decided they could not be bothered to vote. Well Ontario you have nobody for Doug Ford getting a majority of 38% of Ontario that did vote, but yourselves. Y’all made your bed, now lay down in it.

[@johnshaughnessy4752]

As a high school teacher I wanted to be out there today. I wanted to support CUPE members in their stand for all of our rights. My teaching union is not in a legal strike position. We cannot strike. To join these workers outside of our free time would be a violation of our collective agreement and would result in discipline, up to and including termination. Like others I had to also look after my own children. My employer required me to be available for answering student and office emails today. I will support them however I can, whenever I can. This is the process. When we walked the picket line in 2019 CUPE members crossed our picket lines as they were required to do. I am following the rules that are outlined in my collective agreement, just like CUPE is. It is the government who changed those rules for CUPE members only with the NotWithStandingClause. The rules that govern my actions are still in place. I don't see other workers risking termination or discipline from their employers, participate in this job action along side CUPE? Those that are there are there as full time release members or from other unions that have different collective agreements. I really don't appreciate the teacher bashing in this clip when all that anger must be placed solely on the feet of this government. Thank you!

[@ansali2003]

Well said John !

[@benninger123]

He is just about big businesses and not for the worker.

[@romainepenton1832]

big business? this is about screwing the taxpayers find another job if your not paid enough

[@j1mster3]

As much as I agree with his take on the situation, we need to understand Sid is a "journalist" he has 0 experience running any form of business. Just because hes on TV doesnt mean hes qualified to give quality advise on other fields.

[@noonecares959]

Sid is not a genius. Sid is not a journalist. Sid is passionate, fearless and not afraid to use his platform. I love Sid and I love his message ❤️.

[@Snoopymk37]

I agree with most of what Sid said here. However, the heads of the teachers' Federations were correct by telling their members to support CUPE outside of school hours. People may not like to hear this, but it's the way it works. Teachers could be written up by administration or the College of Teachers for making statements that are political in nature during class time. Educators are behind CUPE 100%. Just that's when teachers were on strike at the beginning of covid, CUPE members could not voice their support in school. If teachers were to do anything during school hours, this could be taken as a strike action and would impede current negotiations. The government could then use this against the Federation. People also need to remember that it was the teachers Federations that agree to what the government was offering at the beginning of covid so that everyone could work together to keep the schools open during a difficult time. Now that the situation is not the same with regards to covid, it is important to forget who stepped up last time. It was not the Ford government. It was and will continue to be the people who work with children every day. Whether you agree with wage increases or not, you cannot agree with Ford's attempt to remove workers rights.

[@Snoopymk37]

@@kookoo6128 Have you ever worked in a school? How did you come to your conclusion that they (whomever they are) are redundant? Who is redundant? How would you propose replacing humans in their role? Can you please present any research that backs up your ideas? The thing is that you will not be able to find any research that supports the idea the education workers are no longer needed. More often than not, comments such as yours come from a place not of knowledge, but of ignorance and anger. Ignorance of how children are educated, and anger towards educational workers. There is no logical reason for the anger as is often tied to a misunderstanding of how education functions and predudice based on a perceived negative experience. Misunderstanding and ignorance can usually be overcome through education and practical knowledge. The insights learned by doing the job provide people with a deeper appreciation for those that work in that field on a day-to-day basis. While everyone is entitled to an opinion, there is a difference between sharing an opinion and sharing an educated opinion. Debate is a good thing, but it must based on knowledge and fact, not just opinion. The old adage about walking a mile in someone's shoes rings true. The EAs and ECEs work hard everyday to help the children of Ontario. They're often sworn at, spit on, and bitten when working with students. You have to wear protective equipment over their clothes to prevent them from being injured. My question for many people is whether they have the guts and the love of those kids to help them as much as they can. Perhaps you should try walking a mile in their shoes. After you have done so, your opinion might just change.

[@Snoopymk37]

@@kookoo6128 My question is, if you are ignorant and indifferent (as you state that you are) why do you even bother putting in your two cents worth? Have a great night.

[@gordonturner3554]

You can’t let unions run the province. Why can unions black mail the Province? I hope the unions are all busted. Doesn’t pay enough, get a job that fits your financial needs.

[@CraigBrideau]

I remember when the Nova Scotia government forced "no strike" legislation on the nurses. The nurses started resigning en masse and the government backpedaled faster than I've ever seen a bureaucracy move. Do you really want to put teachers up against that same wall just to have them walk away too? Already hard enough finding people to fill jobs these days.

[@nitajasztrab2899]

Thank you for your statement. I don’t think a lot of people are aware of how much your statement is true right now. I am an ASD Educational Assistant. It is difficult for me to get a supply in for me because of the big shortage of EAs. And a lot of EAs have already started looking for jobs in other fields. With the actions of this government more and more EAs are realizing they need to look for another position with better wages. So what you are predicting is already happening which is very sad for our educational sector. By the way this contract is not about teachers but about the support staff ( EAs, custodial and support staff)

[@Tr4newreck]

Okay part of this is misinformation... custodians make great money, ECE workers don't. I support them getting a raise but this is all bundled in with custodians and other workers. 40k a year is NOT paycheck to paycheck + govt. Pensions, bonuses etc. A grocery store workers makes around 20k-25k... depending on position, retail workers make around the same... you guys crying about a tiny portion of the workforce...mean while dead silence on the barista who serves your coffee, or McDonald's worker who supports a family on that wage... please quit the gd outrage and grand standing.

[@catspiracytheorist2138]

If ur pay check isnt enough to afford the high costs of living in Chinada you have Trudork’s justinflation and communism to thank for that. Leftists got the hunger games society they always wanted so dont come crying n punishing the taxpayers for want u supported from the beginning.

[@cratefoot]

Not a lot of people are going to agree with me but when we all didn’t stand up for vaccines mandates it opens up the door for things like this. Because once the government senses division they’re going to press on that wound. I feel for the teachers and students but united we stand divided we fall.

[@justth4tdope813]

Facts : Custodial staff want 36% pay increase over 3 years. Average pay is 25$ a hour or roughly 52 000 a year. After 3 years they will be earning 32$ a hour and roughly 70 000 a year. Teachers are supporting the staff hence why the schools are closed. Can't blame the government for everything as we need to stop inflation and develope our own production .

[@Pabloppicaso1968]

Fact: You're a blatant misleading liar.

[@barb3384]

Who gets this, just because they are in a union. I work in automotive and I make alot less. Unions are holding parents hostage to get what they want how is that fair. They do not like it find another job, this is nuts.

[@justth4tdope813]

@@Pabloppicaso1968 My information is from the government itself which is negotiating with the union. What is misleading about the truth?

[@jamesmcrae405]

Thats how negotiations work. You go high, they go low. Meet in the middle. They haven't gotten a wage increase in ten years. Thats not right

[@dilldirk284]

I’m all for janitors making more money if I had to deal with these little brats daily I would need some compensation lol….

[@BDON]

We can only picket after working hours because we can fired insubornination for leaving the job site as we’re not in legal strike position. Do your research Sid

[@jaselee117]

If you can only strike when the government says its legal doesn’t that kind of defeat the point? The CUPE strike is “illegal” too, teachers are not working right now either because schools closed for the strike. Do you really think the school boards would fire all the teachers that would show up to the CUPE strike?

[@BDON]

@@jaselee117 There is a process to be in “legal” strike position. They were in legal position when they announced yhe job action. Now yes they’re technically illegal hence why they’re getting charged. Teacher’s were directed by our director to be in school today and going against the direction is insubordination where as Cupe wasn’t dorected by employers. It’s a weird process for sure

[@jaselee117]

@@BDON it just seems a little backwards that you need permission from the people in charge, to strike against the people in charge. And I feel like this strike at this point goes beyond unions and jobs, these peoples constitutional rights were violated. Whether you are a teacher or mail man it shouldn’t matter, what they did to CUPE they can do to us all. I bet you some teachers joined the protest and I am willing to bet no school board in their right mind would fire them for joining, can you imagine the optics of that, while most major press is so against this new bill, they would have a field day.

[@BDON]

@@jaselee117 I agree this does go against our rights and is wrong, but where were the unions when these governments were taking people’s rights away and going against our charter during covid? They were all for the over reach then. No government should have that ability and and many people speaking out against it we’re being shut down by unions because it was “their guy” doing the over reaching. I agree it’s wrong regardless, but they should of been fighting against this kind of tyranny long before this.

[@jaselee117]

@@BDON so just because the opposition got to do it now its ok? Who cares what happened before this is happening right now, everyone for the most part seems to be on the same page now.

[@joshuarittenhouse4938]

Well said! I predict by the support this morning that other unions from all over the city will join the cause. This has become a fight for union rights.

[@dinomarchioli3650]

my wish is that Doug Ford destroys all public sector unions, fines then hundreds of millions, gives parents an education credit so they can afford to take kids out of public school and into private school so they can stop being brainwashed with this left wing ideology. lastly, a tax on all unions for their union fees, help pay off the debt they created. Nothing would make me go to sleep with a smile on my face better!

[@SpectacularDisaster]

all over Canada too

[@joshuarittenhouse4938]

@@SpectacularDisaster well said!

[@romainepenton1832]

@@joshuarittenhouse4938 unions suck

[@2010tlcycle]

Non union private sector workers make less than public education workers, they work harder, they don’t get summers off, and they don’t have even close to the same benefits package. I think Sid needs to check his data!!

[@nmelodic6391]

I think you need to check your conclusions. CONCLUSION: unions get people better wages, better conditions, and better benefits. GET UNIONIZED.

[@fast2ghl]

@@nmelodic6391 eww, gross

[@burnsmatkin9606]

This strike has almost nothing to do with teachers and everything to do with a bloated bureaucracy that refuses to give kids a real education. Most of the money is spent on the most senior teachers and the bureaucratic staff rather than the regular teachers, the EA's and the kids. No graduate coming out of the public school system is anywhere near the potential of that student coming out of most private schools. I said potential. This is just another branch of govt. run by unions and international socialists that are going to do as little for the kids as possible while getting as much money as possible. How does that help the kids?

[@Darksyne]

CUPE did a terrible job negotiating and came out with a far too aggressive of an offer knowing they were ok with accepting half the initial offer AND knowing they're going against a government that just got elected a strong Majority. Yes Ford came down a little too heavy handed but CUPE did a disastrous job trying to negotiate better pay for their workers and they brought this on themselves.

[@nmelodic6391]

No, the union did things that are very understandable when one anticipates negotiating in good faith. They know they'll have to come down, so if they don't ask for more, they will get nothing. The Ford government understood that too, but decided they will only negotiate in bad faith AND THEN violate people's Charter rights to a negotiated collective agreement.

[@Darksyne]

@@nmelodic6391 they were Democratically voted in and used the tools available to them. CUPE did a terrible job at trying to settle for a fair wage increase and wound up poking an angry bear

[@markmclean4144]

Good job Sid...We all hear you.🇨🇦😎

[@davidchokler2840]

I wonder, if high earners among teachers are willing to sacrifice part of their income for lower income colleagues and honestly want to keep children in school.

[@JohnJohnson-rl8vz]

Lol never 😂

[@romainepenton1832]

@@JohnJohnson-rl8vz sid is a woke clown

[@chadwellington2524]

why would they do that when the government can just pay them more... oh ya lets sacrifice our lives instead of the government stopping being corrupt

[@davidchokler2840]

@@chadwellington2524 First of all, it was my rhetorical question. Secondly, there is a common "knowledge" that politicians are corrupt. The question (not rhetorical) I have, why if anybody has an evidence of corruption, nobody brings it to the court?

[@nickchemist723]

This is what I’ve been saying all along ! Teachers , support your lower income colleagues

[@papadan3]

Did you notice that 1700 nurses left ontario to get better wages and better respect in the United States..

[@krisskross8985]

Good for them! Do they have a union in the states?

[@papadan3]

Yes they do

[@NotEpoch]

he is not angry, he is acting

[@nancylambert8024]

Wrong. Teachers are supporting educational worker. THEY know the value of E A ‘s and ECE. I DID THIS JOB FOR 10 years and had to leave. Raises were lucky to be 1% to none. In some cases our salaries were red circled and the same job I did was now at a lower pay. . So I was doing the same job but getting less pay for it. How does that happen. That’s how abused these workers have been over the last 10 years.

[@thebambinofan]

Unpopular question here, where's the government gonna get the money for what the union is asking for?

[@nmelodic6391]

Unpopular question: do you care to hold Ford accountable for tax cuts to the rich and big contracts for his cronies?

[@gisellasturino2877]

From the same place they give themselves thousands in raises...duh

[@nitajasztrab2899]

Apparently the government posted a 2.1 billion surplus September 2022. Oh wait that may be used to line their pockets next summer.

[@Antonchigurh_]

“I know what incompetence is and I know what incompetence looks like” yeah, you

[@brainbloomers1]

What’s the Canadian version of impeachment?

[@Marmanandfriends]

A vote of non confidence. Which can not happen in a majority government (unless dofo murders a dude lol)

[@theadventuresofjimmycrapol8827]

well... there's another side to that story. If it was easier to fire bad teachers, if teachers concentrated on teaching reading writing and math in stead of their woke gender ideologies, maybe more of the public would be on their side. Todays kids are much further behind than prior generations.

[@paolobenedicti1319]

Facts

[@gisellasturino2877]

What a croc

[@theadventuresofjimmycrapol8827]

@@gisellasturino2877 I wonder what grade you -groom- teach?

[@gisellasturino2877]

@@theadventuresofjimmycrapol8827 hey Jimmy...I'm not "woke". I despise that crap and so do the teachers I work with.

[@chadwellington2524]

the teachers arent spreading the gender bender agenda the satanists are

[@smashingbrandon]

cupe was spot on aswell bro!!

[@caperboy1169]

So this is why Sid left Sportsnet

[@pumalogo204]

😉😉😉😉😁😁😁

[@PQV-8898]

Ranting is his forte in both sports and politics.

[@caperboy1169]

@@PQV-8898 he’s a beauty isn’t he?

[@mattjek828]

You’re way in over your head bud. Go back to covering the leafs and jays.

[@georgehaslam6780]

Way to go Syd!!!

[@rohankurian5641]

💪🇨🇦💪🇨🇦💪🇨🇦

[@QuinnieBei]

I'm a parent and Sid is very right on this! "You had ONE JOB!!" 😡

[@randyrutherford1186]

Except the sky is actually Violet. He is wrong about that.

[@OfLaSoul]

Why on earth did people keep voting for Ford? He proved his incompetence LONG AGO!

[@timgrinton6249]

Love you Sid. Has the Cahones to tell it like it is. They had all summer to get this done. We are talking about $14 a week pay increase Dougy has mandated. This is what he thinks of us mere peasants.

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

Ford's standing up for the mere taxpayers, who've been held hostage and extorted for far too long by CUPE and its ilk. They issued a strike notice even before negotiations started -- talk about 'bargaining' in bad faith!

[@chadwellington2524]

14 bucks cant even get you lunch anymore

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

@@chadwellington2524 I can get a pretty good lunch for $14.00. Maybe three, if I put in a teeny bit of effort and make it myself.

[@Dankles69]

The main problem is our social programs. Are we willing to pay more taxes? I get the anger towards Doug Ford... But we need to find other ways to fund Health Care & Education so these workers get better pay.

[@darrens.e1118]

yes everyone has their hand out wanting more money for the government but no one wants to pay for it

[@po4742]

I wish you all maintained same energy when the unvaccinated were let go, not offered jobs or even considered for interviews. Didn't their constitutional rights matter? Outright discrimination. Most of you supported the federal and provincial governments trampling on the rights of Canadians due to them refusing to take some experimental drug. No one has a monopoly of tyranny and violence. Canada is becoming a dictatorship. We warned you all. Stop shouting by the way.😒

[@benphotoshare6973]

Quebec has done this twice where is the outrage

[@himura357]

Only the people paying attention are outraged. That is not as many as it should be.

[@Iesous27]

I agree, there should be outrage, but Ontarians don't live in Quebec, nor do we really follow their politics since we're more invested with our politics.

[@daniellovell7606]

So Ontarians under attack from the Government of Ontario should be more concerned about Quebec provincial politics? Get a grip. P.S. Quebec has never done this to workers in a labour negotiation.

[@nitajasztrab2899]

The difference here is the notwithstanding clause was used here against constitutional rights of collective bargaining

[@hermittmog8697]

Until I see the ACTUAL demands and counters on the table I could say whether anyone is incompetent or not.

[@mikehorrigan7806]

If there is any level of government involved, odds are it’s broken…

[@carriehinch9328]

Sorry if you didn’t notice that the PM did the exact same thing and got away with it, why wouldn’t you expect that the government overreach wasn’t going to continue. Until we all wake up and stand up for our rights, we will continue to see this

[@Geoffzilla]

Today I carried my grandfather's WW2 helmet in my hand and held it high proudly on the picket line! Victor Davies wore that helmet to fight an evil dictatorship. I brought his spirit with me today to show him I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN! Thank you, Grandpa. I will honor you on Monday as well! And Tuesday! And...

[@zachfarrell234]

Your grandfather would be ashamed of you. You support socialist "teachers" whose goal is to lead our children down the garden path to communism and degeneracy. Shame on you.

[@Geoffzilla]

@@zachfarrell234 well, who's going to teach them science? You? What about something more generalized, like people skills? You? Who will keep them out of prison? You???

[@zachfarrell234]

@@Geoffzilla I'm up for it. My homeschooled daughter is in college now, so A) yes, I can teach them science or whatever else they need, and B) teachers aren't really as necessary as you think. And since when do teachers keep kids out of prison? That's the parent's job.

[@Geoffzilla]

@@zachfarrell234 really? Parents job? They're not doing so well, are they? But, hey, just ask them how important the school system is. I mean in actuality, not just in your lies and fantasies, as in your trolling claims above. Considering the statement you deleted, I suspect you've taught no one anything ever. But your claims aren't important. Those of parents with actual kids who actually want them to actually succeed in life are the claims that are important. Not...yours. and THEY tell us they support our labor action AS WELL AS our fight against the illegal use of MARTIAL LAW. You see.

[@zachfarrell234]

@@Geoffzilla Stop taking whatever meds they have you on.

[@gaetanomagnifico1836]

The children have suffered enough, go back to your jobs. There are good souls fighting for our freedom and they need you to do the right thing for the children, go back to your jobs. Maybe more people will inner-stand what the Freedom Convoy was all about. Doug Ford, Trudeau and many more will be held accountable for their actions against the citizens of this country. Just remember all you Union workers while you suffer, your union executives still get a paycheck. Unions are no different than the government. Think about that.

[@kdpmac2207]

There's the Tim n Sid angry rant we all love and miss!

[@andrewvanderkolk8722]

You missing hearing a moron spew information in complete ignorance?

[@LouMurk]

The amount of Bootlickers protecting and applauding Ford's actions is DISGUSTING. CUPE workers NEED TO BE PAID FAIRLY, END OF DISCUSSION. Not wanting others to have fair wages is gross. Ontario government have money, they are in a surplus, pay em.

[@glydstudios5632]

CUPE member right now: "They got a raise and I want a raise, so I am going to punish the kids and blame the government!"

[@ccm4715]

Spot on

[@lysanderaurelius7810]

Lol, he says "when people cant do their job, they lose it" in a commentary on workers going on strike...oh, how ironic :D

[@bArthurt777]

Before watching this... I'm mad as hell about Ford's abuse of our beloved Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Ya its a weak spot that relies on the good will and behaviour of our Provincial and Federal Gov'ts. Any politician who uses the emergency loop hole, it better be to protect Canadians from something unforseen, Only in Canada is there such loving things put in our protecting Charter, meant to protect someone who had to override, the back then new act to protect Canadians.

[@ontariopete1519]

It would be nice if cupe quit using my kids as leverage and 11.7% a year is a little much. If cupe was a little more reasonable they would probably listen to them .

[@nathalia_z7639]

The joke goes beyond...last night I heard an Ad on the radio that was supposedly from our government saying that "they want kids back in school, they want our kids to get caught up in school"...got to be kidding me! I could not have articulated it better, bravo Sid!

[@dinomarchioli3650]

Sid's an idiot and works for the biggest left wing snowflake next to CBC.

[@rippedlikrambo1]

how long until sids co workers file a complaint against him

[@stonex55]

Whoever at breakfast television took a chance on Sid, bravo , I still remember when he told the truth about our government for the first time and Dina was wide eyes like we can't talk about any of this but did didn't care, we need more media like that and less liberal government pleasers

[@tonyk501]

Especially on the tax-payer funded CBC (a.k.a. the Censorship Broadcasting Corporation), but that for sure would never happen.

[@wainber1]

I don't know if I will find a unionized job although given my line of work I highly doubt it. Just this week I viewed a couple of job postings sent via Ziprecruiter. Although the pay looked good on one of them, I decided not to apply to either given that neither company was prepared to offer anywhere NEAR what I felt would've been acceptable given the cost of using Lyft or Uber to get to such jobs given poor public transit connections into either part of Mississauga. I don't care if people claim there's a labour shortage because I sure as hell haven't felt it. I look forward to seeing education workers paid fairly, something far too uncommon across Ontario. Neither Premier Ford nor Education Minister Lecce recognizes this although too many voters in this province didn't vote the same way as me: for a party OTHER than the ONPC one. An NDPer represents provincially the riding in which I currently live (Toronto-St. Paul's) but should Elections Ontario follow for Toronto the proposed federal riding redistribution for the same city, my riding of residence will change to Don Valley West (currently represented by a Liberal MPP) for the next provincial election even if I continue calling home the condo suite in which I currently live.

[@krisskross8985]

If you are young I would suggest going into politics! The pay is good and benefits are amazing!

[@Hierax415]

We normalized two parents going to work while the state raises our kids from ages 2-19. Cost of living corrected itself to make two incomes necessary to run an average household and then they had the balls to hike income tax rates AND school taxes on property as if freeing up two people to work while taking 40% of their income couldn't cover 1 teacher to 40 kids. Now we can't even count on the school system to babysit our kids (they sure as hell aren't educating them to a reasonable standard). The healthiest happiest kids I know are homeschooled and those families are still expected to pay into an education system that cant be relied upon to do its job. Both the unions and the province have a loaded gun next to every working family's head and we are all poorer for it.

[@alexpkeaton4471]

"Cost of living corrected itself to make two incomes necessary to run an average household" "The healthiest happiest kids I know are homeschooled " Hmmm...

[@ToddWright57]

Might want to look at the data regarding the success of the public school system through the years. Fact is, Lecce comes from private school, has kids in private schools and along with Ford is doing the not so subtle dance of undermining public education so that private enterprise will prosper. Same thing happening in health care and other areas of public service. This is just the beginning. To fault public education and refer to it as “babysitting” indicates that you have no connection to a real school with real teacher professionals. Please do the research before commenting and put that research in context. Lazy words drive entrenched opinions further into Lalaland and beyond the scope of an informed public. As for homeschooling, the topic of your post… don’t disagree that it can be a great approach to educating your kids, but there are a few issues you seem to have missed, as per Alex’s comment… and not all home schooled kids do well in that environment just as not all kids will do well in a public or private school setting.

[@nitajasztrab2899]

I actually like your statement but please read it again because everything you stated is true but I don’t think you realize that the government was in control of all the situation you listed. I can assure you there was no loaded gun held to the governments head when it agreed to all this

[@isildarodrigues5138]

Wow!! you Sid Sir are a very smart man props to you everything you said excellent

[@mrsheftalia1743]

I've never watched BT until now! I like this guy!

[@mariamadsen7071]

Yup, Sid is the reason I started watching BT again!

[@JayCanuck007]

I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED SID... HE CARRIED THE SPORTSNET SHOW, BUT I NEVER REALIZED HE HAD A BIGGER SET OF KAHUNAS THAN MOST OTHER CITIZENS OF CANADA..! BRAVO SID SEXEIRO..!! SPOKEN LIKE A REAL MAN..!!!

[@timothymullins8220]

stick your capitals where ,well you know where -Sid is a left wing sycophant-like most media -we want kids in school-negotiations on hold til they catch up

[@MrBwingram]

Yes

[@rickrobitaille8809]

I'm absolutely with Sid 💰🇨🇦✔

[@corwingibbons2139]

Ontario government is dealing with the largest non sovereign debt in the world. Sid, did you get this angry when back to back Ontario Liberal government’s spent the education and health care money on carbon credits?

[@CaffeineBlast]

Does the right to strike override the right to an education? If so, carry on...if not get this resolved on the weekend. Actually, get it resolved no matter what.

[@SM-ly9fr]

Sid has no idea how a budget works. Good thing he’s “been in this business for 20 years”

[@chadwellington2524]

trudeau spent all our money on billons of poision injections for the sheeple

[@coolbuddydude1]

Budget? The government doesn't know what that is either. This is why we have inflation. The money is diluted.

[@nitajasztrab2899]

We know the government sure doesn’t, maybe Sid may do a better job.

[@hidarlin76]

Were you this passionate back in February?

[@tratzz919]

Please Sid stick to sports.

[@Katinko_100mL]

Why?

[@tratzz919]

@@Katinko_100mL those who get, get it.

[@JoshBeut]

I hope it gets figured out soon, and I hope other provinces are watching and ready to not make the same mistake.

[@allanc5743]

Meh. Teacher strikes are nothing new.

[@italolopresti1691]

@@allanc5743 it' it's not teachers duh

[@allanc5743]

@@italolopresti1691 education workers not teachers?

[@italolopresti1691]

@@allanc5743 that's right, not teachers, caretakers, secretaries, Dece, EAs Techincical support, IT services, all underpaid at 39K a year... Not teachers, and not teacher's salaries

[@allanc5743]

@@italolopresti1691 39k seems decent for working 10 months of the year. Those aren't positions that require higher education.

[@GK-ry7fw]

I’m also angry Sid!! That unions can simply strike every 2-3 years to ask for a pay raise, even though they’re paid highest at schools compared to any other organization within their line of work. The government finally did something that needed to be done for years. You’re right kids aren’t in school over & over again because school workers & unions start negotiations by threatening to strike. You my friend need to do more research before you go off on a rant.

[@pameladwyer2244]

I’m not sure you listened to Sid, as he was referring to Educational Assistants. His facts are correct. And how do you feel about Doug Ford blithely taking away people’s rights? There is a world-wide skew towards Authoritarianism, and it is growing in Canada. Doug Ford is a incompetent Fat Cat who runs to his cottage when the going gets tough. Your research needs to be greatly updated - this is not the “old” Canada.

[@GK-ry7fw]

@@pameladwyer2244 I listened to him very carefully Pam & I’m aware of who is talking about. CUPE is considered one of the worse unions for a reason, this is their doing not Ford’s. How you choose to negotiate has consequences, CUPEs leadership started negotiations with the threat to strike. ECEs are paid the highest ($21-26 per hour depending on the district) within school boards with benefits/vacation, which is better than majority of other organizations. You’re more than welcome to look it up like I did.

[@pameladwyer2244]

@@GK-ry7fw You have oh-so-politely put in my place! I found your second post to be much clearer and specific than your first - we may not agree on everything, but I appreciate your clarity!

[@hahaheija]

Fire them all, send in the police for disturbing the peace

[@Katinko_100mL]

If they get fired, you'll have to take care of your own kid, heaven forbid that. It would be such an inconvenience for you...

[@ryana3679]

If the company I work for doesn’t give me a raise I find a new job somewhere else. I don’t try to hold a gun to the companies head and force them pay me more.

[@ccm4715]

Exactly. Or if you dont make enough, get another job to make ends meet.

[@jeremiahclimpson1176]

Kids haven't been in school for the last 2years .

[@nitajasztrab2899]

Not true all county classrooms were open through Covid and for that classroom you need EAs and that’s who is fighting for their rights today