CUPE 2316: Workers at CAS Toronto vote to strike

CUPE 2316 - representing approximately 500 workers at the Children's Aid Society of Toronto - has filed a 'No Board' report, triggering the countdown to be in a legal strike position as early as February 13 while frontline and support workers continue to warn that chronic understaffing and years of government underfunding are putting children and families at risk.

The move comes after workers delivered a strong strike mandate, with 82% of members voting and 83% voting in favour of strike action. Despite this clear message, the employer continues to refuse to address understaffing, service delivery concerns, and chronic workload and burnout.

"Our members have been more than clear," said Aubrey Gonsalves, president of CUPE 2316. "Workers are exhausted, services are being cut to the bone, and the employer is still refusing to address the staffing crisis. This is no longer sustainable, and it is no longer safe for workers and the children, youth and families we support. We care deeply for the children, youth and families we serve, but we can no longer accept or work in these conditions."

Earlier this month, CUPE 2316 formally notified CAS Toronto that current working conditions are preventing workers from meeting their obligations under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. The union warned that burnout, job eliminations, and cuts to internal and preventive programs are creating critical gaps in service delivery and increasing the risk of serious harm to children.

"CAS Toronto can't bargain its way out of a funding crisis, but they continue to refuse to stand up to the government and demand more funding," said Gonsalves. "The employer's position is shaped by years of provincial underfunding, and workers and families are paying the price for the Ford government's refusal to properly fund child welfare, and it can no longer continue."

CUPE 2316 points to rising case complexity and continued growing demands on workers that are putting the most vulnerable in the city at risk.

"This strike vote is about protecting children and families as much as it is about protecting workers," Gonsalves said. "If the government and the employer continue down this path, they are choosing crisis over prevention and austerity over safety."

CUPE 2316 is calling on the provincial government to immediately increase funding for child welfare and on CAS Toronto to return to the table with solutions that address workload, staffing, and service delivery to avoid a strike and provide the supports children and families deserve.