Local school boards prepare for more possible job action

Local school boards are once again preparing for the possibility of a strike by education workers. The union that represents 55,000 Ontario education workers has filed a five-day notice to go back on strike meaning schools could be forced to close as early as Monday.

Local school boards are once again preparing for the possibility of a strike by education workers.

The union that represents 55,000 Ontario education workers has filed a five-day notice to go back on strike meaning schools could be forced to close as early as Monday.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees’ (CUPE) said that despite “many late hour attempts to achieve a freely negotiated settlement,” talks with the provincial government once again “broke down.”

The government’s last public offer to education workers included an annual wage increase of 2.5 per cent for those making less than $43,000 and 1.5 per cent for the rest of the workforce.

In response, the Thames Valley District School Board has posted to social media saying “CUPE has notified TVDSB that a full withdrawal of service is possible beginning Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. Negotiations will continue this week, and we are hopeful for a successful resolution. TVDSB will communicate the next steps in the coming days.”

According to a post by the London District Catholic School Board, "Additional information for families, students and staff will be sent later today. We pray and hope that an agreement is reached before Monday, as provincial negotiations continue to take place this week."

In a notice sent out to parents, the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board is advising parents prepare for remote learning on Monday. "Chromebooks will be distributed to students today and tomorrow. It would be prudent to prepare for several more days of remote learning after Monday. Stay tuned for future updates. We ask for your continued prayers for our community."