We wanted to provide you with an update about job action being taken by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents school support staff.
Currently, the union is in ongoing labour negotiations with the Government of Ontario and public school boards. As a result, members of CUPE are taking part in a legal job action that will impact our schools.
It is important to note that schools are open and instructional programs are running. During these extraordinary times in our schools, principals and vice-principals are working together with staff to maintain a caring and positive school environment.
As always, student safety and learning remain the top priorities of all LKDSB staff. While supervision is being impacted by CUPE sanctions, CUPE has assured LKDSB Administration that student safety will not be jeopardized. Accordingly our superintendents are in regular contact with our schools to assess any concerns and to intervene when necessary to ensure student safety.
As you can imagine, principals and vice-principals have had to take on additional tasks as a result of the ongoing job action and we appreciate your patience. During this time, there may be some delays when trying to contact your school office. Please understand that our principals’ priorities are student safety and classroom instruction.
For all the latest labour information, visit www.lkdsb.net and click on our Labour Relations tab on the front page.
We remain hopeful that a fair agreement can be reached that is acceptable to all parties involved.
Jim Costello, Director of Education
Editor’s note: This letter was addressed to parents/guardians and posted on the LKDSB website and social media pages.
