The strike could be coming back.
Ontario education workers have given five days notice that a strike will happen should a deal not be made in the meantime. In a statement issued Wednesday morning, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario School Boards Council of Unions (OSBCU) central bargaining committee was reportedly able to reach a middle ground with the province on wages, but alleges the government “refused to invest in the services that students need and parents expect, precipitating this escalation.”
Education Minister Stephen Lecce also issued a statement on Wednesday. After talks resumed following the repeal of Bill 28, Lecce says the province has put forward multiple offers that would add “hundreds of millions of dollars across the sector, especially for lower income workers,” but CUPE has thus far rejected them.
“I think it is entirely unfair to children. It’s unnecessary,” says Lecce. “We should be having these discussions at the table, to get a deal both for members and for our kids. And I think we are all disappointed that this is the path the union has taken.
“But this government will stay resolved and stay focused at the table to get a deal, especially knowing that we’ve offered a better option with more money – a significant increase, hundreds of millions of dollars more for lower-paid workers.”
During the previous strike, the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) issued a statement saying that schools would be open for in-person learning. A decision was to be made if the strike continued as to whether students would switch to online learning.
The Dufferin-Peel District Catholic School Board (DPDCSB) was closed for in-person learning.
We’ll update you should anything change.
