The shadow of a woman holding a child. Credit: Canva Credit: Canva

Violence against workers in female-dominated public-sector jobs is on the rise. As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence comes to a close, unions are calling for measures to address this increasing violence. 

In June, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation released survey results showing that 75 per cent of its members believe there has been an increase in violent incidents since their careers began. As well, almost one third of survey respondents had violence used against them. 

In the same month, Nova Scotia Auditor General Kim Adair found daily incidents of violence in Nova Scotia public schools have increased by 60 per cent in the last seven years. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) released a worker-led report in September which showed school support workers bore the brunt of this violence. Of the 5,000 CUPE members working in Nova Scotia schools, 83 per cent are women. 

A report from the University of Ottawa found violence in Saskatchewan schools is also on the rise. 

“We’re seeing this trend all across the country,” said Sarah Cibart, a senior officer in CUPE’s Human Rights branch. “Far right governments are cutting funds to public services, which is a huge contributing factor to the increase of violence.” 

She said the lack of funding leaves workers understaffed which can cause frustration from third parties like patients and students. 

“They’re also experiencing the fallout from those cuts,” Cibart said. “These folks are desperate to get the services they need to live and to strive. But there are simply not enough workers.” 

Cibart said new data has put violence in schools in the public consciousness, but people should know there has been an increase of violent incidents in hospitals and libraries as well. While she is concerned for the safety of workers, Cibart said not all is hopeless. 

In June this year, the International Labour Organization Convention 190 (C190) formally entered into force in Canada. C190 is the first-ever global treaty on ending violence and harassment at work.

“Employers need to have laws, policies and collective bargaining language that prevents and prohibits violence at work,” Cibart said. “By doing that, we can start to talk about how women are the ones  most at risk of this.” 

Aside from improving policy and collective bargaining language, Cibart said ending this violence requires a cultural shift as well. Public services are underfunded and understaffed because feminized work is undervalued, she said. 

“If we look at the nature of the work in the education sector, in hospitals, in libraries, it’s a lot of care work. It’s a lot of emotional labor,” Cibart said. “It’s work that women have been socialized to take on for years and years,” 

She said this labour should not be taken for granted, especially because these public services are relied upon by all. 

Angie Rutera, communications assistant for the Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, said the government recognizes gender based violence as a pervasive issue. She said the government has a national action plan which focuses on collaborative efforts across all levels of government to support victims, prevent violence, and create safer communities. 

Rutera added that there is a program which directly funds organizations who are working to create more supportive environments for workers. These organizations strive to create better workplace protections and access to services for those experiencing violence. 

“Our government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring all individuals—regardless of their workplace—are safe, respected, and free from violence,” Rutera said. 

Gabriela Calugay-Casuga

Gabriela “Gabby” Calugay-Casuga (she/they) is a writer and activist based in so-called “Ottawa.” They began writing for Migrante Ottawa’s radio show, Talakayang Bayan, in 2017. Since then, she...