Education support workers across Ontario could be on the picket lines by November 4, 2022, if mediation this week does not result in a collective agreement.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario School Board Council of Unions announced on Sunday, October 30, 2022 that they provided the Provincial Government and the Council of Trustees’ Association the five day notice of job action, in accordance with the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act.
“This notice means that CUPE education workers across the province will be on a full withdrawal of services on Friday, November 4, 2022 should a deal not be reached,” CUPE officials said in a letter to members on Sunday.
“We view the next three days of mediation – November 1, 2 and 3 – to be an opportunity for this government to come to the table to negotiate an agreement that recognizes Education Workers and the vital services that we provide for students, families and our communities.”
CUPE represents 131,000 workers in elementary and secondary schools across Canada in every classification in the school system – except teachers and management – in over 400 education bargaining units, union officials say.
Lambton-Kent District School Board officials provided an update about the situation on their website.
“(On Sunday), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario announced that in the absence of a negotiated settlement, its members will begin a full withdrawal of services (strike action) in Ontario schools beginning Friday, November 4, 2022 unless there is progress at the central bargaining table,” school board officials said.
“Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is currently reviewing what the impacts of this strike action would mean in our schools.”
The school board encouraged people to visit the LKDSB website for update-to-date information regarding the contract negotiations.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued to the media early Monday morning, Provincial officials say Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, is set to introduce legislation to keep students in class.
Provincial officials say the legislation will be tabled at approximately 1 p.m.
Minister Lecce is expected to address the media at 2 p.m.
We’ll provide more information as it becomes available.
