Building Union Power members are committed to creating the kind of fighting union you need to take on the issues you care so deeply about and win the changes you want and need in your schools.

When Teachers unite and pool resources and power, you have the strength to challenge what you don’t want, and create what you do, school by school, and local wide.

It’s about prioritizing the methods that truly build your collective power, and create the structures, supports, knowledge, skills and confidence you need to make this happen.

HOW TO BECOME A CAUCUS MEMBER

TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN

Talk to every ETT member - you and your co-workers are “the union”; knowing each other and your issues lays the groundwork for school and local actions and campaigns.

Organize to take on the key issues you identify, like unacceptably large class sizes, a lack of response to health and safety issues, bullying Administrators, diminishing resources for our most vulnerable students, school discipline concerns, and a lack of meaningful input into the decisions that impact your school communities and yourselves.

Build the strong structures in each of your schools to take effective, direct action, shift power dynamics, and ensure the victories you win are long-standing.

Prioritize the crucial relationship building you’ve begun with parents and community groups. A broad alliance creates the power you need to fight for strong schools, strong communities, and a government that is truly responsive to the needs of all.

Modernize and revitalize our union, using the tried and true organizing methods that Teacher Unions across North America, from British Colombia to Los Angeles to Chicago, have used with such success.

BY JOINING BUILDING UNION POWER, YOU AGREE TO SUPPORT…

An equitable, fair, anti-racist education system, with improved school-based supports.

The creation of an ETT Research and Organizing Department to build the research-based expertise and power you need for consistent wins.

The tried-and-true methods you know build power, such as one-on-one conversations, site-based action teams, and running coordinated, escalating actions on your key issues.

Regular training to build the knowledge and confidence you need to take effective action on your key issues and concerns‍. ‍

Building and expanding the crucial relationships and alliances with your parent communities and community-based organizations

Support the Building Union Power candidates in the upcoming ETT election.

Let’s Build Union Power Together to Win the Schools You and our Students Deserve!

Our Priorities

We have accomplished a lot together in these last two years, but there is much that remains to be done. These next two years are a chance for us to continue building the power of our union.

6 ways we will work to continue Building Union PoweR

Empowerment Over Fear

Together we can overcome the fear of reprisal from school administration and embrace collective action for change. Your voice is crucial in shaping the future of education.

Addressing Systemic Issues

We will tackle racism and inequality in schools, promote inclusivity and champion an inclusive education system that stands against racism and supports every child.

Member Engagement

Deepening our connection to Members with more direct, frequent, and timely communications so that your voices are heard.

Resource Allocation

Every school deserves adequate resources to thrive. We will ensure Jane and Finch, Rexdale, and Scarborough are not left behind by focusing on the critical need for adequate resources in underserved communities.

Teacher Support

We have and will continue to empower teachers by advocating for smaller classes, proper prep time, and valuable PD. You’re not alone in this fight.

Community Involvement

Our movement continues to encourage active involvement from teachers, parents, and public education supporters through signing up for updates and participating in campaign activities

Major Accomplishments

  • 1. Streamline Payments

    • In a way that makes it smooth for the remainder of an ETT member’s time with our local union

  • 2. Open BIG Bargaining

  • 3. Updated Terms of Reference for H&S

    • ‘Winning’ back a 3rd H&S rep

  • 4. PowerSchool Fight Back Campaign

    • Quick response time
    • Effective petition
    • Creation of the working group

  • 5. Empowerment Model of Intervention

    • Work with members to find the collective power = a collective win

  • 6. Expanding PD Funds to Include AQs

  • 7. Focus on School Action Teams

  • 8. Focus on a Steward in Every School

  • 9. ECC Notes Shared with the Membership

  • 10. General Meetings Every Month

    • Feedback from members: the flow is better, people are heard, meetings run smoother – a major win!

  • 11. Fund Our Schools Campaign

    • Partnering with OSSTF, CUPE, TYRLC and parent groups to spotlight real conditions in schools and go after funding to make things better

  • 12. Enough is Enough! Campaign

    • Building coalition and strengthening links with labour and community; lead the creation of education sector contingent

  • 13. Strengthening Links with Trustees

Building Union Power

Organize. Win. Care.