The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing 5,000 school support workers in Nova Scotia has initiated a campaign to address violence in the province’s public school system. The union plans to circulate a petition to involve support staff in developing strategies to tackle the issue. At a news conference outside Halifax City Hall, CUPE released a 13-page report highlighting the violence experienced by its members. This report aligns with the findings by the auditor general, Kim Adair, who noted a significant increase in violent incidents in schools over the past seven years.
According to CUPE Nova Scotia president Nan McFadgen, support workers bear the brunt of dealing with a majority of the violent incidents in schools. The union’s report, like that of the auditor general, reveals that the full extent of the problem is unknown due to under-reporting of violence. The union represents various professionals such as teaching assistants, custodians, bus drivers, early childhood educators, and librarians, all of whom are impacted by the violence prevalent in schools across the province. This report was first published on August 15, 2024, by The Canadian Press.
The CUPE campaign aims to bring attention to the pervasive issue of violence in Nova Scotia’s public school system and advocate for the involvement of support staff in developing effective strategies to address it. By circulating a petition and releasing a report detailing the violence faced by its members, CUPE seeks to raise awareness and prompt action from officials to tackle this pressing concern. The union’s efforts align with the findings of the auditor general, who highlighted a significant increase in violent incidents across schools in the province over the past seven years.
President of CUPE Nova Scotia, Nan McFadgen, emphasized that support workers within schools are frequently the first to handle and address violent incidents, underscoring the importance of including them in the development and implementation of strategies to combat violence. The union’s report sheds light on the under-reporting of violence in schools, indicating that the true extent of the problem may be significantly higher than reported figures suggest. The involvement of various professionals represented by CUPE, such as teaching assistants, custodians, bus drivers, early childhood educators, and librarians, underscores the wide-reaching impact of violence in schools across Nova Scotia.
The union’s campaign to address violence in Nova Scotia’s public schools highlights a critical issue that affects not only students but also support staff who are on the front lines of dealing with these incidents. By advocating for the inclusion of support workers in the development of strategies to address violence, CUPE aims to improve safety and create a supportive environment within schools. The collaboration between CUPE and other stakeholders is essential in implementing effective measures to address the root causes of violence and ensure a safer educational environment for all.
As the campaign gains momentum, it is crucial for officials and policymakers to take heed of the union’s recommendations and work towards implementing tangible solutions to combat violence in schools. By acknowledging the under-reporting of violence and the significant impact it has on school support workers, there is an opportunity to create systemic changes that prioritize safety and well-being within the education system. Through collaborative efforts and ongoing advocacy, CUPE and its members strive to make a positive impact and foster a culture of respect and safety within Nova Scotia’s public schools.
