Blake Ellis/Local Journalism Initiative

“These guys have done a great job,” said Lambton Kent Trustee Greg Agar about custodial staff adding he didn’t believe there should be staffing cuts of the janitorial positions.

Agar made his comments during the trustee questions of the May 12 school board meeting in Chatham as he voiced his opposition to the decision to cut 22 custodial staff positions at the school. Agar went on to say he is making these comments “not as a trustee but as a human being,” adding he still has respect for all of those involved.

No comments were made by other trustees or administration after Agar gave his support to the janitorial staff at the school board and his opposition to cut the 22 positions.

While the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) will be cutting 22 existing positions, it has indicated it plans to create 12 new custodial positions at a higher rate of pay, according to the board. Any current employees will be required to apply for these new positions.

A joint press release by CUPE 1238 and the Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU) was posted on CUPE 1238’s Facebook page just hours before the school board meeting.

“These cuts are devastating for our members and for the schools they work in every day,” said CUPE 1238 President Carrie Hopper. “Custodians are essential frontline workers who keep schools clean, safe and functioning for students and staff.

“Eliminating these positions will increase workloads, create more stress and injuries for workers and ultimately impact the learning environment for students.”

Hopper is also not happy about the existing staff having to compete for the 12 new positions the school boards will be creating. “That creates uncertainty and anxiety for workers who have dedicated years of service to this board and their school communities,” said Hopper.

The OSBCU points to a trend across Ontario. “What we are seeing at LKDSB is part of a broader pattern where education workers are being asked to pay the price for underfunding,” said OSBCU President Joe Tigani.

“Students deserve safe, supported learning environments. That starts in investing in the workers who make that possible.”