Toronto – November 1, 2017 – Teachers at the TAIE International Institute are the newest members of UFCW Canada Local 175 after voting overwhelmingly to join the union.

The 15 full-time and 11 part-time employees teach at the downtown Toronto private school. A lack of job security was the major concern that caused the teachers to seek out union representation. For example, some of the employees are currently employed on short-term contracts with no guarantee of re-employment from term to term.

Other issues of concern included harassment, violence, and health and safety concerns. Wages, benefits, and favouritism also played a significant role in the workers’ decision to organize.

“Congratulations to all of the teachers at TAIE,” says UFCW Canada Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty. “We are happy to welcome more professional educators to our Local Union, and we look forward to getting to the bargaining table promptly for these members,” he adds.

Teachers at the school provide courses in English as a Second Language (ESL), Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) classes, and university preparation courses. The teachers at TAIE join a number of educators from several other private schools who have joined UFCW Local 175 over the past year.

To learn more about UFCW Canada Local 175, visit www.ufcw175.com.