Page 6 - ELG2503 March Issue 493

NEWS .

EC Montreal teachers accuse management

of ‘hostility’ toward unionisation

Following the unionisation of staff at EC Montreal, Jared C. Wiczonoch

describes the response from EC and the continued effort to be heard.

hat can be believe they can wait
accomplished in this out. But workers
six months? For EC aren’t backing down.
WMontreal English “Unfortunately, it
Language School, it appears the feels like management
answer is this: alienating teachers, has not been taking
creating a toxic workplace, and us seriously,” says
jeopardizing the student experience. Sean Kathan, an ESL
Six months ago, the staff at teacher and member
EC Montreal took a bold step of the negotiations
by unionizing to improve their team. “They’ve
working conditions and the ignored our petition
overall learning environment. for basic needs like
Since then, management has a bell and cancelled
responded with obstruction, negotiation sessions.
deflection, and outright hostility. But I’m encouraged
by the growing
From promises to petty tactics support among our
Rather than engage meaningfully, colleagues. This is
EC management has ignored a long process, but
petitions, removed union-related I trust that we’ll see
stickers—violating free speech results.”
rights in Quebec—and stalled
negotiations. They’ve made their Union power in a precarious reputation, and unhappy students. To support the teachers at EC
priorities clear, stating outright, industry The stakes are high, and EC has Montreal English Language School
“We are capitalists. We don’t The ESL industry thrives on short- a choice: take meaningful action or to learn more about their fight
want teachers; we want a viable term contracts and high turnover, or face the consequences of their for fairness, visit their website at
business.” a system that leaves teachers inaction. www.ecenglishschool.com.
This profit-over-people mindset vulnerable while maximizing
has shaped their response to profits for stakeholders. Despite
workers’ concerns. Teachers this, the staff at EC Montreal are The Gazette approached EC for a comment.
have raised issues of low pay and proving that collective action They responded:
insufficient hours, only to be met can challenge these exploitative
with insulting suggestions: take norms. ‘EC Montreal remains committed to open dialogue and fair
vacation on the school’s schedule, “It can be scary to stand up for labour practices. We have engaged in multiple productive
apply for employment insurance, your rights in an unstable world,” meetings with union representatives and continue to bargain
or leave the industry altogether. stated Katrina Olsen, another in good faith towards positive outcomes for all parties involved.
These are not solutions—they ESL teacher at EC Montreal. While we respect every individual’s freedom to make their own
are intimidation tactics designed “But the ESL industry has built its career choices across any industry, we want to clarify that EC has
to pressure outspoken staff into success on keeping us isolated and never advised any staff to leave the education sector.
silence or resignation. precarious. A union gives us the ‘The current challenges facing Canada’s language education
strength to push back. Change sector are industry-wide, driven by international student caps
A crisis for teachers, students, doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it and shifting global preferences towards destinations that are
and EC’s reputation takes action.” considered more cost-effective. Despite these market pressures,
By failing to engage with their staff, EC maintains its commitment to fair hour allocation while
EC English Language Centres risks An opportunity for change, upholding our renowned academic standards. We conduct
creating a crisis that could ripple or further damage annual salary benchmarking within the language education
far beyond their Montreal location. The General Union has sector to ensure our compensation remains competitive and fair.
If teachers quit en masse, the demonstrated resilience in the face ‘As an award-winning international education provider with
company would be unable to meet of management’s indifference. As a strong track record spanning multiple countries, EC values
obligations to its agent partners, more teachers join their ranks and teacher input and a collaborative workplace culture. This is
leading to reputational damage the movement gains momentum, reflected in our consistently positive staff satisfaction scores. We
and financial losses. Prospective EC English Language Centre continue to prioritise educational excellence and fair treatment
students and partnering agents must decide whether to continue of staff while navigating the evolving landscape of international
may start questioning whether EC its current path or engage with its education.
is the right place to invest their staff to create a better future for ‘We look forward to continued constructive dialogue that
time and money. everyone. serves the interests of our teachers, students, and the broader
EC English Language Centre’s Ignoring the union will only lead EC community.’
stalling tactics suggest they to further instability, diminished
6 March 2025