Workers at the Lilypad Childhood Centre in St. John’s in Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador providence voted this spring to join UFCW Local 1252.
The 15 early childhood educators unionized to gain respect on the job, better wages, fairer staffing levels, and improved benefits. Organizers talked to workers about the challenges facing early childhood educators and offered strategies for solving these problems through union membership.
“The momentum is building. Every early childhood educator who stands with their co-workers brings us closer to the respect, wages, and voice this profession deserves. We’re just getting started,” said Tiffany Sellars, educator and campaign organizer.
The new members will soon begin the bargaining process, where they will work toward securing fair wages, improved working conditions, and access to a fair grievance procedure.
Their decision to unionize reflects a commitment to support one another to build a better future for themselves, their co-workers, and the early childhood educators’ profession.