Attention: Union Allies

Dear Presidents and Union Siblings,

Re: ETFO Support Staff Strike Action: It’s about RESPECT

We have now entered Day 3 of our strike action, which commenced on Monday, January 12, 2026. SEIU Local 2 members are seeking a deal that is fair and respects the work they do. Support Staff consists of approximately 60 members (administrative, IT, and operational and facilities staff) that provide support to ETFO staff, elected release officers, and ETFO members. The vast majority of our members are women (over 80%) with a large representation from racialized groups (over 60%).

Contrary to recent statements made by ETFO management, the last offer from the employer was made on December 17, 2025. No additional offers have been made since and no additional bargaining dates have been scheduled. The Union has communicated its willingness to return to the bargaining table any time the employer is prepared to do so.

RESPECT in Salary

We love the work that we do for the members of ETFO and are looking for a salary increase that is fair and begins to address the growing wage gap between Senior Staff and Support Staff (3% per year as part of a three-year deal). We are looking to negotiate a salary that helps our members keep up with rising costs, and demonstrates that ETFO values the work of its Support Staff.

RESPECT in Working Conditions and Balancing Home and Work

Senior Staff at ETFO (Executive Assistants, Research Officers, Administrative Officers). have five Personal Days and five Care Leave Days. Support Staff have only three of each. We believe that our members – many of whom have young children and most of whom have aging parents – have at least the same need for these days as Senior Staff, and the collective agreement should reflect this. Attending appointments and dealing with sick family members is extremely difficult in Toronto, and the rising cost of housing in the city has meant that our members have had to move further away from the office – this makes access to these days even more important. To date, the employer has refused to seriously negotiate parity of these days.

RESPECT for our Professionalism

The employer has proposed new language requiring members, upon request, to provide a death certificate or other documentation when requesting bereavement leave. This proposal is emblematic of ETFO management’s lack of trust and perceived lack of professionalism of Support Staff. This is especially troubling absent any examples of abuse of bereavement leave to justify this proposal.

RESPECT for Unions and the work of Unions

ETFO is continuing to run some programs from 136 Isabella Street, and ETFO has been advising its members on how to cross the picket line. Some ETFO members have expressed discomfort, while others have refused to cross. There is no doubt it is problematic for a Union to advise its members on how to cross a picket line, and such action seeks to undermine our voice.

OUR ASK

As an act of solidarity with SEIU Local 2, we ask that you advise your members to not attend ETFO programming until the strike has ended. This includes members registered to attend the Leadership Forum for Black Women Members Part 2 scheduled for Thursday and Friday of this week.

We further ask that you and your members notify ETFO management that the reason for not attending 136 Isabella Street is a refusal to cross the picket line. Please feel free to highlight any additional concerns you may have regarding the strike.

Support Staff are committed to supporting ETFO members and the essential work that you do. Support Staff are simply looking for recognition from ETFO that their roles matter and are valued.