Reports say the Province of Ontario and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have reached a tentative agreement.
Both the Lambton-Kent District School Board and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board confirmed the news on Sunday evening, November 20, 2022.
“Today, the Ministry of Education and the trustees’ association announced they have reached a tentative provincial agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE),” said John Howitt, Director of Education for the Lambton Kent District School Board.
“As such, all Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) schools and facilities, except Brooke Central Public School, will be open to students on Monday, November 21, 2022.
We thank you for your patience and support through the uncertainty of the past week. Please continue to visit the LKDSB’s website (www.lkdsb.net) for all labour updates.”
Scott Johnson, Director of Education for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, said they also received word that a tentative agreement has been reached.
“Although the agreement is still subject to ratification, the tentative deal means the full withdrawal of services by CUPE education workers has been averted,” Johnson stated.
“All St. Clair Catholic elementary and secondary schools will be open tomorrow – Monday, November 21, 2022. Parents/guardians are reminded to send all Chromebooks that were deployed for virtual learning back to school tomorrow.”
Johnson added: “We are thankful for this development and look forward to welcoming all students and staff to our schools tomorrow morning. Further updates will be posted to the Board website at https://newsdesk.st-clair.net/.”
Watch for more on this story.
