Education workers in Ontario are raising alarms over chronic underfunding in schools, which they argue is compromising the quality of education and student safety. Josh Dickson, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) in Waterloo Region, emphasized the need for better support, stating, “Our kids – our community – deserve better.” This sentiment was echoed during a province-wide Day of Action, where thousands rallied, including members from various educational unions such as the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and others. The media release highlighted pressing issues like large class sizes, increasing incidents of school violence, and inadequate resources for students with special needs. Furthermore, the post-secondary sector is facing challenges due to cuts in the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), which threaten access to education for many students. Vicki Buder, president of OSSTF’s education support staff in Waterloo Region, pointed out that continuous funding cuts hinder the education system's ability to function effectively, jeopardizing student safety and support services. Workers are urging the government to prioritize education funding to ensure that all students receive the necessary resources and support.