Students will learn about the importance of unions and the collective bargaining process in this middle school reading comprehension | labour unions resource. This resource describes the origins of labour unions, their purposes, the collaborative bargaining process, and an unbiased breakdown of their bargaining efforts between CUPE and the government in 2022. 
 
Students will write an opinion piece. They will examine the events of the dispute through infographics, text, and online research. There is a mock-trial activity that you can implement in your classroom. It clarifies the outline of the "bargaining process."
 
OVERVIEW OF INCLUDED ACTIVITY
Teachers will divide students into groups (union or government), and each group must choose a union to bargain for or against.
Each team will research key topics (wages, hours worked, benefits, etc.)
The union side will create a Bargaining Book while the government prepares to receive the Bargaining Book.
Both parties will come to the table prepared. Stats, graphics, charts, and any other
credible sources of information are allowed. Be sure to have them ready on a PPT if need be.
 
CONTENTS OF RESOURCE
An interactive table of contents 
Reading the history of unions and the collective bargaining process
A timeline of the events that transpired between CUPE and the Ontario government
An opinion-based long question
A mock bargaining activity (group roles, graphic organizers, and prompts included) 
Success criteria cards 
 
STUDENTS WILL:
Analyze the origins and development of labour unions and their purposes in the context of workers' rights and social justice.
Investigate the collective bargaining process and its significance in labour relations and negotiations.
Evaluate the events surrounding the 2022 CUPE-government bargaining efforts and their implications for both parties.
Conduct research using various sources, such as infographics, text, and online materials, to gather information on the dispute.
Formulate and express informed opinions through written and oral communication, including opinion pieces and classroom discussions.
Participate actively in a mock-trial activity, demonstrating an understanding of the bargaining process and the roles of unions and governments in labour negotiations.
Collaborate effectively in groups, assuming various roles and responsibilities to represent the union or government in the mock bargaining activity.
Utilize credible sources of information, such as statistics, graphics, and charts, to support arguments and perspectives during the bargaining process.
Reflect on the success criteria for the activities and tasks, ensuring alignment with learning objectives and expectations.
 
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