CDSBEO and UCDSB schools will be closed Friday if CUPE workers walk

The union representing more than 50,000 education workers in the province, including hundreds in the Catholic District School Board of Ontario and the Upper Canada District School Board are planning to walk off the job Friday in protest.

They’re upset with legislation introduced by the province that will impose a contract on them and not allow them to contest it in court. The union, which represents librarians, educational assistants, and custodians among others, says it takes away their right to strike.

The CDSBEO has issued a statement on the matter. It says in part, “We are very concerned about the impact of strike action on the safe operations of our schools and know that parents/guardians share that concern. Due to the vast and significant roles held by our CUPE employees, it is not possible to ensure the safety of students during this strike; therefore, CDSBEO will close all schools to students as of Friday morning, November 4, IF an agreement is not reached. Students will then move to remote learning at that time.” (You can tap or click this text block to read the full statement. 

Meantime, the Upper Canada District School Board is planning to close schools too in the event of a walkout.

They say in part, “Over the next few days, we will be preparing for remote learning in the event our schools close due to labour unrest. If you use a child care provider that operates out of our schools, please contact them directly with questions about if/how care will continue.” (Tap of click this text block to be brought to the full statement.)

The moves will no doubt cause some stress for some parents as they must now arrange for child care for the day, or take the day off. In some cases that could mean losing a day’s pay.

This is a developing story. We will provide more details as they become available.