Schools in Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent will shutdown on Friday unless the provincial government and the union that represents 55,000 education workers come to an agreement that prevents a looming strike.
On Monday afternoon, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents workers including custodians, librarians, educational assistants, and administrative staff, announced that workers are set to withdraw services across Ontario schools starting Friday morning. This comes despite news that the provincial government has tabled legislation that will impose a four-year contract on education workers, which includes a notwithstanding clause to override its Charter of Rights. If passed, which Education Minister Stephen Lecce said Monday that it will, workers will face hefty fines, which CUPE said it will cover.
Following this announcement, school boards across the province have begun to notify parents that schools could face disruptions on Friday unless the two sides come to an agreement. The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB), said that if CUPE staff do not report to work Friday, its schools will be required to close.
"In our schools and across our system, CUPE represents custodians, early childhood educators, educational assistants, secretaries, library and computer technicians and other school-based and central staff members. A full strike would mean none of these important supports for schools would be in place and the LKDSB will not be able to safely operate our schools," read a statement issued from the LKDSB Monday evening. "We appreciate that there may be significant impacts on your family. Families are strongly encouraged to explore alternate child care arrangements in the event a strike occurs."
The board said it is hopeful an agreement can be reached so full strike action is avoided. Updates will be sent out as new information becomes available. Additional questions or concerns should be directed to your school principal.
The St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) issued a similar statement Monday, and added that it is monitoring the situation closely. Late Tuesday evening, the board's Director of Education Scott Johnson, sent out an updated release confirming that the board will have no option but to close Friday if a strike goes ahead.
"We do not take this decision lightly. Student supervision, safety and wellbeing are our first priority. Without the important services of these school-based employees, the Board cannot ensure learning environments will remain safe and clean for all students," Johnson said.
LKDSB provides educational services to more than 21,000 students across 64 elementary and secondary schools, while the SCCDSB serves approximately 8,600 students at 23 elementary and two secondary schools.