CUPE Manitoba is calling for more protection for school support workers facing violence on the job.

The union says workers are experiencing biting, kicking and verbal abuse, leaving some with physical injuries and emotional harm.

CUPE represents more than sixty-one hundred school support workers across Manitoba, including educational assistants, custodians and bus drivers.

It wants school divisions and the provincial government to improve staffing, provide mandatory training in de-escalation, and establish clear systems for reporting and tracking violence.

The union is also calling for dedicated funding for prevention.

CUPE has launched an online petition asking Manitobans to support its push for safer workplaces.