This article contains graphic content that might not be suitable for some readers.
Ontario education workers officially went on strike Friday, leaving many schools across Ontario closed for the day without the support of custodians, admin staff, and educational assistants.
Thousands of those 55,000 education workers gathered in protest around the grounds of Queen's Park as they continued their push for a wage increase despite new legislation from the Ford government that makes their protest illegal and imposes a four-year contract on them.
Workers who choose to strike could face fines of up to $4,000 per day.
It's a story that has gained national and international attention over the last few days.
Group of protesters walking the streets near Queen's Park.Ashna Bharkhada | Narcity
The grounds of Queen's Park were filled with striking education workers and those in support of their message.
Group of protesters at Queen's Park.Ashna Bharkhada | Narcity
Striking workers are demanding a much bigger raise than the Ford government seems willing to offer.
Protester holding a "I shouldn't have to rage to make a living wage" sign.Ashna Bharkhada | Narcity
Many kids were forced to stay home from school Friday and that could carry on into next week, with the strike being called "indefinite."
Protester wearing a "Cuts hurt children" sign.Ashna Bharkhada | Narcity
Some protestors openly displayed their frustration with the Ford government over this issue.
Group of protesters holding up "F*ck F*rd" and "I stand with education workers" signs.Ashna Bharkhada | Narcity
Education Minister Stephen Lecce has labelled any strike action "illegal."
Protester holding up a sign reading "Lecce the leech."Ashna Bharkhada | Narcity
Children of age to be in class Friday were among the protestors.
Child holding a sign reading "I'm not a pawn" and another reading "Lecce is a bloodsucker."Ashna Bharkhada | Narcity
"Ford's just being totally unreasonable," one striking education worker told Narcity at the demonstration.
"Obviously these guys are way out of touch with what we do in the schools. [...] Plus, he's always said that he's for the little guys. Mr. Ford, we're the little guys and you're not looking out for us," the man said.
It is unclear how long the strike by Ontario's education workers might last.
- Justin Trudeau Spoke With Doug Ford & They Cleary Didn't See Eye ... ›
- Here Are The Schools That Will Be Closed Friday As Ontario ... ›
- Doug Ford Begs Education Workers To 'Please' Stop Striking & Offers A 'Compromise' - Narcity ›
- CUPE Wants Doug Ford To Stop Talking Publicly About Negotiations With Education Workers - Narcity ›
- These Schools Will Close If Ontario Education Workers Strike Again & It's Not Looking Good - Narcity ›
- Ontario Education Workers Have Voted In Favour Of A New Contract & Here's What It Means - Narcity ›