Another tentative central agreement has been reached with the education workers represented by the Ontario Council of Educational Workers (OCEW), according to Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Education.
In November, Ontario schools had ground to a halt after Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) education workers struck work. However, a second strike was averted when a tentative agreement was reached on November 20 between the provincial Ministry of Education and CUPE.
“This further demonstrates that our government can deliver agreements with education unions that ensure children remain in class, where they belong. Keeping kids in class has always been our number one priority, following years of disruption that have left profound impacts on children across the country,” Lecce said.
Students across Ontario are benefitting from the government’s $650 million increase in funding for this school year, along with the 7,000 additional education workers funded by our government since taking office, to help get kids back on track.
“To ensure kids catch up, they need stability right to June, along with clubs, sports, and extra curriculars. It is my sincere hope that all remaining education unions and school board trustees’ associations will continue to come together with the government to keep children where they belong: in class, learning without disruption,” Lecce added.
OCEW represents some 7,000 workers in public and catholic schools in the province.