This COVID-19 pandemic has hit our economy and economies around the world hard. It has had an unprecedented effect on our members ability to work and provide services to students. It has meant that students cannot meet face to face with their teachers and other students. This is normally a time of year when we see members recalled to work for the busy summer season and schools making new hires. The reality is that teachers are not being recalled to work and some of our most senior members have been laid-off. We predict that this pandemic will affect around 75% of our membership, if not more over the coming months. We have already seen the unfortunate closure of Inlingua, ETEA – 7, and are concerned more schools may follow. The ETEA has been working with the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators to message government about the importance of supporting our industry as part of a road map to economic recovery. Please follow the link for a statement from FPSE on the deep layoffs that have been experienced in private-post secondary, especially in language schools.

FPSE statement on private post-secondary institution layoffs

For members who have been laid off and need to access some of the benefits provided please see the FPSE information on Financial Benefits and Assistance Available During the COVID-19 Emergency.

We wish everyone the best through these difficult times. We will continue to work with our members and employers as we move through this. Contact your union representative if you have any questions.