Launch of Pilot Project: Data Collection on Employer Discipline

OSSTF/FEESO is embarking on an exciting new data collection project to examine potential disparities in employer discipline. This project aligns with Pillar 2 of our Strategic Action Plan— “Defend and Support Members,” as well as our Action Plan to Support Equity, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression. Research on discipline from various sectors demonstrates that discipline often disproportionately impacts particular population segments. For example, research on school discipline in Ontario (and elsewhere) indicates that suspensions and expulsions disproportionately affect students with disabilities, low income, 2SLGBTQIA+ and students who are Black, Indigenous and/or racialized. In other sectors, such as policing or health care, employer discipline has also been shown to affect members from equity-seeking groups disproportionately. We would expect that similar patterns exist in the education sector.

This project seeks to explore the following questions about employer discipline of OSSTF/FEESO members:

1. Are certain groups experiencing disproportionate levels of employer discipline?
2. Are certain groups experiencing differences in the severity of consequences for the same type of allegations?

This project is in a pilot phase where selected bargaining units have agreed to participate. This project launched on November 11, 2024, with six bargaining units accepting to act as pilots. Members experiencing employer discipline who belong to the pilot bargaining units will be asked if they would like to fill out a short survey by e-mail. Please note that this survey is entirely voluntary and will not have any effect on the outcomes of the disciplinary allegations. The online survey takes at most five minutes to complete.

We hope every member experiencing discipline in the pilot bargaining units will fill out this survey. This data may be crucial in our efforts to better represent and protect our members.

Staff will conduct regular check-ins with the pilots throughout the year to ensure that data collection efforts proceed as planned. The pilot project is expected to last 2 years, and an evaluation of the project will be reported.