The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has reported a staggering cost of $213 million due to sick days taken by its employees in the last year. This pervasive absenteeism has raised concerns about the impact it has on the board’s budget and operations.
According to the TDSB’s annual report, the board’s employees took a total of 1.2 million sick days in the 2020-2021 school year. This translates to an average of 11.5 sick days per employee, which is significantly higher than the provincial average of 9.5 days.
The TDSB’s Director of Education, Dr. John Malloy, expressed his concern over the high number of sick days taken by employees. He stated that this trend not only affects the board’s budget but also has a direct impact on students’ education and well-being.
The TDSB has implemented measures to address this issue, including a new attendance support program and a review of sick leave policies. However, the board acknowledges that more needs to be done to reduce absenteeism and its associated costs.
The TDSB’s report also revealed that the majority of sick days were taken by support staff, such as custodians and educational assistants. This has raised questions about the working conditions and support provided to these employees.
In response, the TDSB has committed to working with its unions to address any concerns and improve working conditions for all employees. The board also plans to increase its efforts to promote a healthy work-life balance and encourage employees to take care of their physical and mental well-being.
The TDSB’s annual report serves as a reminder of the impact of absenteeism on the education system and the need for proactive measures to address it. The board remains committed to finding solutions to reduce sick days and ensure a productive and healthy work environment for its employees.
