Canadian Schools: A Hazardous Workplace
CUPE National Report – 2026
CUPE National has released a new report, Canadian Schools: A Hazardous Workplace, based on a national survey of more than 4,200 education sector workers across the country. The findings are clear: violence and harassment in schools are not isolated incidents — they are widespread, frequent, and deeply impacting the health and wellbeing of education workers.
The report confirms what many of our members already know from lived experience. The majority of education support workers reported experiencing violence or harassment during a single school year, often repeatedly. The impacts are significant — affecting physical health, mental health, job satisfaction, and family life. Alarmingly, many workers also reported that incidents go underreported and that meaningful safety measures are not consistently put in place.
This research reinforces the urgent need to recognize schools as hazardous workplaces and to ensure stronger protections, proper reporting processes, effective safety planning, and real accountability. Education workers are on the front lines every day, and no one should have to accept violence as “part of the job.”
We encourage all members to read the full report and stay informed as we continue to advocate for safer working conditions for everyone in our schools.